The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted people’s lives all over the world, forcing millions to work from home and spend time alone.Although data suggests that COVID-19 is not as dangerous for children as it is for adults, the pandemic has had a profound and disturbing impact on them.
A new study published on Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that childhood obesity increased at an alarming rate during the coronavirus pandemic.Continue reading for more information.
Obesity in ChildrenObesity affects more than one in every six children in the United States, putting their long-term health at risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The CDC was able to compare trends in body mass index (BMI) of 432,302 people aged 2 to 19 years before and during the pandemic by using data from IQVIA’s Ambulatory Electronic Medical Records database.
The study discovered that during the COVID-19 pandemic, children spent more time at home, away from school and physical activity, contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic.Continue reading to learn what the study discovered.According to the study, moderately obese children gained 12 pounds during the pandemic, compared to 6.5 pounds per year prior to the pandemic.
The annual gain weight in severely obese children increased from 8.8 pounds before the pandemic to 14.6 pounds.According to the study, even children who were gaining a healthy 3.4 pounds per year gained 5.4 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.The most dramatic increase was observed among children aged 6 to 11, implying that being forced to stay at home had the greatest impact on this age group.
The CDC has issued a warning.According to the CDC, this study emphasises “the importance of obesity prevention and management efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during future public health emergencies, including increased access to efforts that promote healthy behaviours.”Children’s CoronavirusWith the highly contagious Delta variant rapidly spreading across the country, public health experts, policymakers, and parents are all wondering if it is safe to send unvaccinated children back to school.
According to Reuters, a recent study conducted by University College London and Public Health England discovered that as many as one in seven children experience COVID-19 symptoms months after testing positive.According to the study’s authors, authorities should consider advising children aged 12 to 15 to get vaccinated against the novel disease.
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