EFFECT OF COVID‐19 ON SMELL, TASTE ,APPETITE AND DIET IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Alterations in senses of smell and taste have been associated with COVID-19. However, the impacts of the losses of senses of smell and taste on appetite, diet, seasoning of food and most importantly weight remains under investigated in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to investigate the effects of losing the senses of smell and taste due to COVID-19 disease on appetite, diet, seasoning of food and weight. An online survey was conducted among Saudi Arabians (n = 358) who had taken COVID-19 test. 52% (n = 186) of the respondents had positive COVID-19 tests, while 48% (n = 172) had tested negative for COVID-19. The key results include that loss of a sense of taste and smell are very common amongst those who tested positive for COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Eating behavioural changes that results due to loss of senses of smell and taste can includes alteration in appetite and increase salt intake. While most participants recovered the senses they lost in a few weeks, low appetite, weight loss and risk of malnutrition still remains potential issues for COVID-19 patients who lost their senses of smell and taste. The findings show the complexity by which COVID-19 affects people in Saudi Arabia and the need to have an effective strategy to help the group of people suffering from long COVID-19 in the country even though it was confirmed that they are not in the majority of those that have suffered from the disease.