INTRODUCTION:

The community containment measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in restrictions on daily life and, consequently, changes in lifestyle. Knowing the effect of these measures on eating habits and physical activity will be important to define adjusted and timely responses of Public Health.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the effect of social restraint period on the perception of changes in lifestyle factors related to food and physical activity.

METHODOLOGY:

Observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study, with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 407 participants between 5-84 years of age. A questionnaire was applied through a computer-assisted telephone interview, between May 22nd and 29th. When comparing data by age group and municipality of residence, the Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied.

RESULTS:

In comparison with the pre-community restraint period, 52.1% of the respondents considered having decreased physical activity, 51.8% increased sitting time and 33.7% changed their diet. The increased snacking behavior was reported by 63.6% of participants aged 5-10 years and by 50.0% aged 10-17 years. Among the youngest, there is an increase in water and fruit intake and a reduction in takeaway/home delivery and pre-prepared meals.

CONCLUSIONS:

Community containment measures caused a decrease in physical activity and altered eating habits and behaviors, especially among youngers.

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