Researchers have found that tens of thousands of children who became obese or overweight throughout the pandemic may have to face health consequences throughout their lifespan.
Child Obesity Rates
Amongten0 and 11-year-olds in England, obesity rates have risen sharply and have not gone back to their levels before the pandemic. Now, the researchers warn that it is necessary to take measures targeted at children below five years of age to address child obesity.
The researchers documented their findings and recommendations in the "Projected health and economic effects of the increase in childhood obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic in England: The potential cost of inaction" study.
Insufficient physical activity, prolonged absence from school, and unhealthy dietary habits have all contributed to the rise of obesity rates among children when Covid restrictions were in place.
In fact, between the periods of 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021, the proportion of obese and overweight primary school children in year 6, who were aged from 10 to 11 years old, skyrocketed to 40.9% from 35.2%. Individuals who were from deprived areas were affected disproportionately by it.
To see this, the researchers maximized BMI data from the National Child Measurement Program, which measures and weighs roughly one million Year 6 students annually in England.
The following year, the number of obese and overweight students went down. However, it was still higher compared to pre-lockdown levels. This rise represents a cohort consisting of 56,000 additional children.
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Long-Lasting Health Consequences
Based on data that currently links child obesity to adult or adolescent obesity, the researchers conclude that several of these children have higher risks of developing certain diseases, including stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and some cancer types.
Professor Keith Godfrey, the report's lead author, shares that the data reveals that the pandemic will likely lead to long-lasting effects on children's physical health. There was a larger weight gain increase among reception students who were four and five years old. However, this has now gone back to earlier levels. Professor Godfrey explains that this is likely due to how Year 6 students are in a more advanced developmental stage, adding that among older children, the physical activity and dietary habits developed throughout the pandemic were embedded more and did not go back to before.
With this, the researchers say that measures to address child obesity that target preschool children are necessary and could be more effective compared to focusing on older children.
Professor Godfrey explains that changes in food placement in stores, banning fast food chains beside schools, and increasing the priority of physical activity in preschools and nurseries should be incorporated into novel policies. He also adds that government funding is necessary to narrow the health outcome gaps between the disadvantaged and the advantaged.
Science director Sara Stanner from the British Nutrition Foundation explains that before the pandemic, child obesity rates were already at a high level that was worrisome. Stanner adds that the study shows the need to act, especially regarding facets of deprivation. Stanner notes that, as several children begin school overweight, it is crucial to have interventions early in life.
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