The COVID-19 pandemic was particularly devastating in developing countries such asMexico, where the nation reported some of the highest COVID-19 cases and a highprevalence of obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the food consumption among Mexicanadults during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving1,082 Mexican adults recruited through online invitations containing a link to complete asurvey. A 48-item questionnaire was designed to assess the frequency of food consumptionand sociodemographic characteristics in a semi-quantitative manner. A retrospectiveinstrument was used to evaluate physical activity (days/week and duration).
The COVID-19 pandemic had a particularly harsh impact on developing countries like
Mexico, which reported some of the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases and a significant
prevalence of obesity. This study aimed to examine the eating habits of Mexican adults
during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 1,082
Mexican adults who were recruited via online invitations that included a link to complete
a questionnaire. A 48-item survey was created to evaluate the frequency of food
consumption and sociodemographic factors semi-quantitatively. Physical activity was
assessed using a retrospective tool to measure the frequency and duration of exercise per
week.
The main discovery identified two dietary patterns: industrialized and healthy. The
industrialized dietary pattern was more common and included the consumption of sugary
dairy products, sugary drinks, alcoholic beverages, sweets, fried foods, and both red and
processed meats. Men consumed significantly more ultra-processed foods (22.5%) compared
to women (15.45%) based on a 2000 kcal diet. In addition, participants did not meet the
recommended intake levels for fruits, vegetables, legumes, and natural dairy products.
Intake of sugary drinks was three times higher than recommended for both genders.
Regarding physical activity, only 29.7% of participants reported engaging in adequate
physical activity.
The study also highlighted insufficient consumption of nuts and an excessive intake of
red and processed meats. It underscored the necessity for intervention and educational
initiatives to improve dietary choices, particularly among younger populations.
Diagnostic Test: Food Consumption survey
A comprehensive survey was created using Google Forms® to collect sociodemographic,
clinical, anthropometric, dietary data, and physical activity information from
participants across most Mexican states. All self-administered surveys began with
informed consent and were distributed via instant messaging (WhatsApp), social networks
(Facebook, Twitter), and email using a snowball sampling method. Sociodemographic data
included age, gender, and residence, while anthropometric data covered weight, height,
and physical activity. Food intake was assessed using a 48-item semi-quantitative tool
based on the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2021, with participants reporting the
frequency and quantity of food consumed on a Likert scale. Responses were converted to
daily consumption values and caloric intake using the Mexican System of Foods and
Equivalents. Foods and beverages were categorized into twelve groups: six healthy
(fruits, vegetables, legumes, natural dairy, white meat, nuts, and
Other Name: Anthropometric characteristics
Inclusion Criteria: Additional to the age, people living in Mexico during the COVID
pandemics.
Exclusion Criteria: People who did not live in Mexico during the COVID pandemics
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Universidad de Monterrey
Monterrey 3995465, Nuevo León 3522542, Mexico
Anayansi Escalante-Aburto, Ph. D., Study Chair
Tecnologico de Monterrey