Does COVID-19 infection change appetite and dietary habits?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with changes in appetite, taste, and dietary behaviors; however, evidence comparing recovered individuals with those never infected remains limited. Understanding these differences is important for developing post-pandemic nutritional strategies. This study compares appetite characteristics and dietary habits between individuals who recovered from COVID-19 and those who were COVID-free. This cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2022 using an online questionnaire that collected sociodemographic data, medical history, appetite measures, and dietary behaviors. A total of 805 participants were included: 386 recovered from COVID-19 and 419 were COVID-free. Most participants were female (88.3%), with a mean age of 28.60 ± 11.03 years. Group differences were analyzed to identify variations in appetite sensations and eating patterns. Significant differences were observed between groups in fullness (P = .044) and taste (P < .001), while hunger did not differ significantly. Unhealthy dietary behaviors were common in both groups. Eating more food than planned differed significantly between groups (P = .004). Dietary supplement use also varied (P = .022), with 8.6% always using supplements, 22.2% sometimes using them, and 53.2% never using them. COVID-19 recovery status was significantly associated with appetite outcomes (P < .001). Both groups reported high consumption of junk food and soft drinks and low fruit intake. Recovery from COVID-19 was associated with altered appetite characteristics, particularly fullness and taste. However, unhealthy dietary behaviors were prevalent among both recovered and COVID-free young adults. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions and public health strategies to promote healthier eating patterns and support post-pandemic well-being.