Repercussions of home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted almost all aspects of one's daily routine which has lead to unprecedented stress and other mental consequences. This, coupled with home confinement has lead to a change in the nutrional and exercise habits of the population, both positive and negative. The purchase of calorie-dense foods has been increased and so has boredom eating however given that more time is being spent at home, many people are opting to cook more. Home confinement has also lead to an increase in sedentary behaviour but some have found more time to pursue exercise as a form of leisure. The following changes could lead to an increase in obesity, which in itself is already one of the problems that Malta has been facing these last few years.