Susceptibility to increased high energy dense sweet and savoury food intake in response to the COVID-19 lockdown: The role of craving control and acceptance coping strategies

Emerging evidence indicates that for some people, the COVID-19 lockdowns are a time of high risk increased food intake. A clearer understanding which individuals most at over-eating during lockdown period is needed to inform interventions promote healthy diets and prevent weight gain lockdowns. An online survey collected (total n = 875; analysed 588; 33.4 ± 12.6 years; 82% UK-based; mostly white, educated, not home schooling) investigated reported changes amount consumed intake energy dense (HED) sweet savoury foods. The study also assessed eating behaviour traits predicted increase HED foods tested whether coping responses moderated this relationship. Results showed 48% participants in response lockdown. There was large individual variability lower craving control strongest predictor Low cognitive restraint greater increases snacks meal Food responsiveness, enjoyment food, emotional undereating, overeating satiety responsiveness were significant predictors High scores on acceptance attenuated conditional effects snack Consistent with previous findings, current research suggests low factor may therefore represent target intervention.