Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to heightened stress levels in the population, correlating with changes in dietary habits. The objective was to determine the relationship between stress levels and dietary habits among Chilean adults in 2021. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted. A self-administered survey addressing sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and the adapted Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10-C) for the context of this health emergency was employed. Results: A total of 382 adults, with an average age of 35.02 ± 13.08 years, participated. The majority exhibited low stress levels but failed to meet the weekly consumption recommendations for fish, legumes, and dairy according to the Chilean Dietary Guidelines. High frequencies of consumption of sugary, fried, and fatty foods, as well as fast food, were reported. Additionally, a significant portion did not engage in regular physical exercise. Participants with high stress levels demonstrated a higher frequency of consuming sweet and/or salty snacks between meals, fast food, and a sedentary lifestyle compared to those with low stress levels. Conclusions: The majority of evaluated Chileans exhibited elevated consumption of unhealthy foods coupled with low levels of physical exercise. This underscores the imperative need for implementing policies promoting lifestyle changes, especially during situations of confinement such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
