O impacto da pandemia de covid-19 para o aumento da obesidade em estudantes universitários

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic and restrictive measures to slow coronavirus transmission have led to important social changes that may influence and modify eating habits due to new behaviors contributing to the increase in obesity. Objective: To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increased obesity in university students. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative, convenience sample study with university students from a university center in the city of Fortaleza-CE. Data collection was performed through a semi-structured online questionnaire composed of questions related to sociodemographic aspects, life habits and health conditions. Results: The results suggest an increase in health risk behaviors. A decrease in physical activity practice was reported, a considerable increase in time in front of screens and consumption of ultra-processed foods. Regarding the current health situation, 61.8% of the students were overweight (overweight and obese), 29.6% reported having some type of comorbidity and 61.7% noticed a worsening in health status during the pandemic. Conclusion: The prevalence of inadequate eating practices, sedentary behaviors and physical inactivity in university students increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.