Association of Covid-19 Infection with Physical Activity and Food Intake; Mashhad PERSIAN Cohort Results

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 had a profound impact on global public health. This study investigates the effects of the coronavirus on dietary intake and physical activity among the Mashhad PERSIAN cohort population in Mashhad, Iran.  This nested cohort study was done among the PERSIAN Cohort Study in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences population who confirmed COVID-19 infection through PCR testing. Participants were assessed for physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, as well as changes in appetite and food intake during the COVID-19 infection. All measurements were compared during the disease period to pre-infection.  This study comprised 381 confirmed COVID-19 patients (average age of 42.51 ± 7.31 years) of which 154 (40.4%) were male. There was a significant reduction in the levels of vigorous and moderate physical activity, walking, and total sitting time (P<0.001 for all). Also, food intake was reduced during the COVID-19 infection compared to before the infection.  In summary, this study demonstrates a significant decrease in physical activity and food intake during COVID-19 infection.