NUTRIENTS, cilt.14, sa.14, ss.1-14, 2022 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Many companies switched to working from home (WFH) after the COVID-19 pandemic.
This paper aimed to examine the changes in dietary behavior, body weight, sedentary lifestyle, and
stress in individuals who practice WFH. A cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire was administered
between March and May 2021 and included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric
measurements, WFH arrangement, changes in diet, sedentary lifestyle, and stress status. A total
of 328 individuals (260 women, 68 men), aged 31.3 ± 8.3 years with a BMI of 24.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2
,
participated in the study. The questionnaire revealed that the daily working time increased with
WFH. The majority of the individuals (59.1%) gained weight. The average daily sedentary time and
the Perceived Stress Scale score increased significantly. The daily sedentary time and Non-Healthy
Diet Index scores were higher in individuals who gained weight (p < 0.05). A multinominal regression
model revealed that increased body weight was less likely in individuals with underweight and
normal BMI classifications. Normal BMI, stable work shifts, and no physical activity were positive
predictors for gaining weight. These results suggest that WFH may have significant negative effects
on physical and mental status of individuals.