A study conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy investigated changes in eating habits and lifestyle among the population aged 12 years and older. The survey, conducted between April 5th and 24th, 2020, involved 3533 participants. Key findings include: 48.6% of the population perceived weight gain, 3.3% of smokers quit, and 38.3% reported increased physical activity, particularly bodyweight training. The 18–30 age group showed higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared to younger and older populations. 15% of respondents turned to farmers or organic markets for fruits and vegetables, especially in the North and Center of Italy, where BMI values were lower. The study highlights the impact of lockdown on eating habits, with increased consumption of homemade foods and reduced intake of fresh fish and processed foods. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower BMI and better sleep quality. The study also found that obesity is linked to increased inflammation and susceptibility to severe COVID-19 outcomes. The research underscores the importance of maintaining healthy eating habits and physical activity during pandemics. The study provides the first data on Italian population lifestyle and dietary patterns during the lockdown, emphasizing the need for further research to confirm these findings. The study was conducted using a web-based survey, which allowed for wide dissemination of the questionnaire during the pandemic. The results indicate that the lockdown led to significant changes in eating habits and lifestyle, with some positive outcomes such as increased physical activity and reduced smoking. However, the study also highlights the risks of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating patterns. The findings suggest that maintaining a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity can help mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic on health. The study was conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and did not require approval from an ethics committee due to the anonymous nature of the survey. The results provide valuable insights into the impact of the pandemic on public health and the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles during crises.A study conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy investigated changes in eating habits and lifestyle among the population aged 12 years and older. The survey, conducted between April 5th and 24th, 2020, involved 3533 participants. Key findings include: 48.6% of the population perceived weight gain, 3.3% of smokers quit, and 38.3% reported increased physical activity, particularly bodyweight training. The 18–30 age group showed higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared to younger and older populations. 15% of respondents turned to farmers or organic markets for fruits and vegetables, especially in the North and Center of Italy, where BMI values were lower. The study highlights the impact of lockdown on eating habits, with increased consumption of homemade foods and reduced intake of fresh fish and processed foods. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower BMI and better sleep quality. The study also found that obesity is linked to increased inflammation and susceptibility to severe COVID-19 outcomes. The research underscores the importance of maintaining healthy eating habits and physical activity during pandemics. The study provides the first data on Italian population lifestyle and dietary patterns during the lockdown, emphasizing the need for further research to confirm these findings. The study was conducted using a web-based survey, which allowed for wide dissemination of the questionnaire during the pandemic. The results indicate that the lockdown led to significant changes in eating habits and lifestyle, with some positive outcomes such as increased physical activity and reduced smoking. However, the study also highlights the risks of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating patterns. The findings suggest that maintaining a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity can help mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic on health. The study was conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and did not require approval from an ethics committee due to the anonymous nature of the survey. The results provide valuable insights into the impact of the pandemic on public health and the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles during crises.