Eating Behavior and Physical Activity Changes Among Adult Mexican Women After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily lifestyles worldwide. Its long-term effects on physical activity (PA) and eating behaviors (EB) among Mexican women, who already face barriers to adopting healthy lifestyles, remain unclear. This study aimed to compare PA and EB among adult Mexican women before and after the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection was conducted using structured questionnaires. Participants reported their pre- and post-pandemic PA and EB. Results: A total of 104 women, with a mean age of 52.4 ± 9.5 years, participated in the study. Overall, PA levels decreased significantly after the pandemic (P < 0.05), with notable decreases among women without a cancer history, postmenopausal women, homemakers, and those with overweight or obesity. Time spent in overall PA (z = 4.6; r = 0.45) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (z = 5.1; r = 0.50) decreased, while sitting time increased (z = −3.8; r = 0.37) (P < 0.001). In contrast, overall EB did not change significantly; however, employed women and those without a history of cancer reported significant changes in EB after the pandemic (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite the end of the pandemic, its effects on PA and EB persist among Mexican women. Targeted, culturally sensitive interventions, along with ongoing monitoring, are essential to reduce long-term health risks in this population.