Implications of modified food choices and food-related lifestyles following the economic crisis in the Marche Region of Italy

Abstract

Background: The economic crisis in Italy has led to profound changes in resource management not only at the macro level but also for individual families, causing substantial changes in different habits of Italians.

Study design: The purpose of this research was to conduct a study on changes in family eating habits potentially triggered by the economic crisis was conducted in an area of the Marche Region in central Italy.

Methods: The research was conducted in the period 2016 - 2017 by administering a specific and anonymous questionnaire.

Results: The interviewed people has reduced its food consumption. In particular, analyzing the results for the animal protein food group, there has been a reduction in purchase of beef, and an increase in that of pork. Overall fish consumption has decreased by 44%, with a decrease in the purchase of fresh fish, and an increase in that of canned fish products. Finally, consumers have reduced their purchases of fresh and canned legumes, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit.

Conclusion: The economic crisis seems to have changed the eating habits and food-related lifestyle choices of the subjects studied, especially in the urban area affected by the deeper economic depression. These changes are likely to have permanent social consequences, and deserve to be analyzed also in smaller territories in order to better understand the dynamics of individual choices and the social framework.

Keywords: Diet habits; Economic crisis; Food choices; Human health.