Associations and patterns in lifestyle and body weight among university students over one year into the Covid-19 pandemic: A cluster analysis

Abstract

In March 2020, the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections led to far-reaching measures worldwide to slow the spread of the virus. University students were particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the shift to distance learning. Research found an increase in body weight among a significant proportion of students, as well as unfavourable changes in food consumption and physical activity in the first months of the pandemic. The present study aimed to examine changes in food consumption, physical activity, and body weight more than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among students at a German university in July/August 2021 (n = 951). Changes in food consumption, physical activity, and self-reported body weight since the beginning of the pandemic were assessed in comparison to pre-pandemic levels. Weight gain was reported by 38 % of students, weight loss by 30 %. Changes in sweet and savoury snacks consumption were positively, and changes in sporting frequency and fruit consumption were negatively associated with weight change. A cluster analysis revealed five groups of student clusters, two of which were able to benefit from the changes in their daily lives with increased physical activity and vegetable consumption. Negative consequences, such as reduced physical activity or increased sweet and savoury snack consumption, were found in two groups. One group appeared to be unaffected. The study helps to understand how the pandemic affected students differently. A closer look is needed to identify the reasons for these varied consequences and to develop strategies to assist those who are struggling to better cope with such situations.