Assessment of eating behavior and physical activity level in multiprofessional health residents in the countryside of Pernambuco during the period of social isolation

Abstract

Introduction: The need for social distance in the face of the pandemic of the new COVID-19, can generate emotional reactions and changes in the eating behavior of the population. In the academic field, cross-functional residents started to act on the front lines in combating the new coronavirus and this condition can generate a high rate of stress and/or anxiety influencing emotional eating, contributing to weight gain and risk for the development of comorbidities. Objective: to evaluate the eating behavior and physical activity level of cross-functional residents enrolled in the Programa de Atenção Básica e Atenção ao Câncer da Instituição ASCES UNITA in Caruaru-PE. Materials and Methods: Residents answered a structured questionnaire containing identification, professional category, change in body weight, usual and current weight, height, eating behavior (TFEQ-R21) and level of physical activity (IPAC - short version). Result and Discussion: 79 residents were evaluated and there was an increase in body weight in social isolation, related to emotional eating behavior associated with uncontrolled eating, suggesting the influence of triggering factors such as fear, anxiety, stress or / and insecurity experienced by residents, in addition to inactivity or low physical adherence. Conclusion: Negative emotional reactions associated with physical inactivity contributed to changes in the residents' body weight. The realization of nutritional guidelines, encouragement of physical activity and meditation are strategies for weight control and mental health care, improving the quality of life.