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Samigullin A, Groß G, Gählert J, Buchenberger S, Morcos M, Schwertz R, Öste R, Siegel E, Humpert P. Impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on the anthropometric development in primary school children in the Rhein-Neckar Region, Germany. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:78. [PMID: 38811974 PMCID: PMC11134761 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00886-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published data suggests that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively affected children's weight development. This study aims to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity after the COVID-19 lockdowns as well as anthropometric development among primary school children in the Rhein-Neckar Region, Germany. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, schools were selected in cooperation with the local health authority to include different socioeconomic backgrounds. Participation was voluntary at school and individual level, requiring written informed consent from legal guardians. Study visits in schools were conducted between October 2021 and July 2022. Anthropometric data from nationally recommended medical examinations at 4 years (U8) and 5 years (U9), data on nutrition, physical activity, and socioeconomic data was collected using questionnaires. zBMI and weight category were calculated based on German reference data. RESULTS 256 children with a mean age of 8.0 years (7.1-9.3 years) were included in the study. Most participants were from households with an above average income. 5.1% of the children were overweight, 4.7% were obese, 15.6% were underweight, and 74.6% were normal weight with a mean zBMI of -0.25 (SD 1.10), which is significantly lower than the mean zBMI of the German reference population (p < 0.001). No significant changes in zBMI were observed between U8 and U9 (p = 0.16). The mean zBMI decreased by 0.17 (SD 0.72) between U9 and the study visit (p = 0.02). A zBMI decrease of 0.5 was documented for the subgroup of overweight and obese children (p = 0.028) as well as a decrease of 0.23 (SD 0.63) for the normal-weight children subgroup (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Contrary to previous reports mean zBMI decreased significantly in the children studied. No significant changes in zBMI were observed between U8 and U9 examinations, which supports the hypothesis that the decrease in zBMI could be attributed to lockdown measures. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov on September 21st 2021 under the registration number NCT05077059.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azat Samigullin
- Starscience GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Stoffwechselzentrum Rhein-Pfalz, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Gabriel Groß
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jana Gählert
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Buchenberger
- Starscience GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
- Stoffwechselzentrum Rhein-Pfalz, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Morcos
- Stoffwechselzentrum Rhein-Pfalz, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Erhard Siegel
- St. Josefskrankenhaus, Heidelberg, Germany
- Adipositasnetzwerk Rhein-Neckar e. V., Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Per Humpert
- Stoffwechselzentrum Rhein-Pfalz, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Forseth B, Appelhans BM, Davis AM. Considerations for Interpreting Childhood Obesity Treatment Trials from the COVID-19 Pandemic Era. Child Obes 2024. [PMID: 38683578 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2024.0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Forseth
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Bradley M Appelhans
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ann M Davis
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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3
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Babb TG, Wilhite DP, Martinez-Fernandez T, Liu Y, Gupta OT, Barlow S, Bhammar DM. Body composition in early pubescent children with obesity: effects following 1 year of nonintervention. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2024; 136:977-983. [PMID: 38420679 PMCID: PMC11305644 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00888.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Little is known about whether body composition changes differently between children with and without obesity following 1 year of nonintervention. Therefore, we investigated body composition in early pubescent children (8-12 yr) with and without obesity before and after a period of 1 year of nonintervention. Early pubescent children (8-12 yr; Tanner stage ≤ 3) with (body mass index, BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and without obesity (15th < BMI < 85th percentile) were recruited. At baseline, 88 children (n = 25 without obesity) completed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry imaging (DXA) for body composition measurements [%body fat, fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM)]. One year later, 47 participants (n = 15 without obesity) returned for repeat testing. The children without obesity were older (11.0 ± 1.0 vs. 10.0 ± 1.2 yr; means ± SD) (P = 0.013). There was no group difference in height, and both groups increased in height similarly after 1 year (147.7 ± 8.9 to 154.5 ± 9.2 cm without vs. 145.6 ± 5.8 to 152.5 ± 5.9 cm with obesity) (P < 0.001). Weight was greater (P < 0.001) in children with obesity at baseline as was the increase in weight after 1 yr (9.25 vs. 5.82 kg) (interaction, P = 0.005). Fat mass increased by 4.4 kg in children with obesity and by 1.1 kg in children without obesity (interaction, P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in fat-free mass between those with and without obesity at baseline (29.9 ± 5.9 vs. 31.6 ± 4.8 kg) (P = 0.206) with both groups increasing similarly over 1 year (gain of 4.87 vs. 4.85 kg with and without obesity, respectively). Without intervention, the increase in fat mass is four times greater in children with obesity after 1 year as compared with children without obesity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Little is known about changes in body composition in children with and without obesity following 1 year of nonintervention. We report that without intervention, fat mass gain is significantly greater in children with obesity after 1 year compared with those without obesity. Body mass index (BMI) and %body fat measurements after 1 year yielded no significant increase suggesting that BMI and %fat alone are not suitable measures for tracking changes in adiposity among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony G Babb
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas & UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Daniel P Wilhite
- Department of Veterans Affairs NJ Health Care System, Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence, East Orange, New Jersey, United States
| | | | - Yulun Liu
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Olga T Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Sarah Barlow
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Dharini M Bhammar
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, The James-OSU CCC/Center for Tobacco Research, Columbus, Ohio, United States
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4
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Cai P, Liu Y, Yang Z, Luo Y, Zhang Y, Ye P, Yin X, Xiao N, Chen X, Wang M, Xiao B, Zhao H. Impact of lockdown on the growth of children in China aged 3-6 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1301889. [PMID: 38234429 PMCID: PMC10791918 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1301889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Lockdowns in COVID-19 pandemic led to less physical activity and more intake of unhealthy food in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the negative impact of major lockdowns on the growth of children aged 3-6 years during COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods Physical examination results in 2019 to 2022 from 5834 eligible children (2972 males and 2862 females) from Southwestern China who were 3 years old in 2019 were retrospectively collected. Height and weight data points were extracted from the results, and percentiles of height (height%), weight (weight%), and BMI (BMI%), and rates of overweight and obesity were calculated and compared between different years during the pandemic. Results After analyzing the 15404 growth data points from 5834 children, a slowly increasing trend of height% from 2019 to 2022 was observed. Weight%, BMI%, overweight rate, obesity rate, and combined overweight and obesity rate had two peaks in 2020 and 2022 when major lockdowns were adopted and a drop in between (year 2021), except for obesity rate which did not drop in 2021. Similar results were shown after stratification by gender. Conclusion The lockdowns in COVID-19 pandemic promoted obesity of kindergarten children, but did not show any negative impact on their height growth possibly due to over-nutrition of children during lockdowns. More efforts need to be made to limit the increase of obesity rate in kindergarten children during possible future lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiling Cai
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxuan Liu
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Clinical Medical College & Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Maternal and Child Health Service Center of Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yueyao Luo
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Maternal and Child Health Service Center of Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Peng Ye
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoling Yin
- Maternal and Child Health Service Center of Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Nanying Xiao
- Maternal and Child Health Service Center of Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xinwei Chen
- Clinical Medical College & Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengping Wang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Beili Xiao
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Clinical Medical College & Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongying Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Chamay-Weber C, Gelmini A, Gal-Dudding C, Maggio ABR. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents in treatment for obesity. Arch Pediatr 2023; 30:441-444. [PMID: 37537082 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown on body mass index (BMI) z-score of adolescents treated for obesity, and to assess the correlation between BMI z-score changes and lifestyle variables. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited 66 participants aged 11-18 years with overweight or obesity who attended our obesity clinics before and after the lockdown. We assessed demographic and anthropometric characteristics as well as lifestyle variables. RESULTS The mean BMI z-score of the participants was stable during this period (p = 0.233). Balanced diet, snacking, and sweet beverage consumption improved in about half of the participants. Having at least one parent at home was associated with a significantly more balanced diet (p = 0.008) and an increase in family activities (p = 0.015). Physical activities decreased (51.5%) and screen time increased for most of the adolescents (86.4%). The BMI z-score decreased significantly when three or more lifestyle habits improved (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that BMI z-scores were stable for a majority of adolescents treated for obesity during the COVID19 lockdown, along with positive and negative changes on weight-related lifestyle habits. This extraordinary period may have created opportunities for lifestyle modification and has emphasized the importance of family support in the management of obesity in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Chamay-Weber
- Health and Movement Consultation, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Switzerland; Adolescent Health Unit, Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - A Gelmini
- Health and Movement Consultation, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C Gal-Dudding
- Health and Movement Consultation, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Switzerland; Adolescent Health Unit, Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A B R Maggio
- Health and Movement Consultation, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Switzerland
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Fisher L, Nelson RE, Ertem Z, Schechter-Perkins EM, Oster E, Branch-Elliman W. Lack of Association Between Pandemic School Mode Policy and Pediatric Body Mass Index Percentile Over Time. Child Obes 2023; 19:423-427. [PMID: 36036724 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2022.0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
During the 2020-2021 academic year, schools across the country were closed for prolonged periods. Prior research suggests that children tend to gain more weight during times of extended school closures, such as summer vacation; however, little is known about the impact of school learning mode on changes. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure the association between school mode (in-person, hybrid, remote) and pediatric body mass index (BMI) percentile increases over time. In this longitudinal, statewide retrospective cohort study in Massachusetts, we found that BMI percentile increased in elementary and middle school students in all learning modes, and that increases slowed but did not reverse following the statewide reopening. Body mass percentile increases were highest in elementary school aged children. Hispanic ethnicity and receipt of Medicaid insurance were also associated with increases. Additional research is needed to identify strategies to combat pediatric body mass percentile increases and to address disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Fisher
- Reliant Medical Group, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Richard E Nelson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- IDEAS Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zeynep Ertem
- Systems Science and Industrial Engineering Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elissa M Schechter-Perkins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Oster
- Department of Economics, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Westyn Branch-Elliman
- VA Boston Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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7
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Nimali Seneviratne S, Kumarihamy Karunathilake CN, Pallegama CM, Malintha Lahiru TG, Jayarajah U. Endocrine manifestations of COVID-19 in children: A scoping review. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 37:101792. [PMID: 37453832 PMCID: PMC10303324 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2023.101792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we explore associations between SARS CoV-2 infection and the endocrine system and metabolism in children and adolescents. PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases were searched to identify published data on endocrine manifestations of COVID-19 in children up to 31 March 2023, including diabetes, obesity, puberty, thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders and pituitary disorders. Data on changes in disease pattern/ incidence, disease control, and other effects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as effects of pre-existing endocrine conditions on severity of COVID-19 infection are presented, and practice points and research needs provided under each section.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Umesh Jayarajah
- Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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8
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Anderson LN, Yoshida-Montezuma Y, Dewart N, Jalil E, Khattar J, De Rubeis V, Carsley S, Griffith LE, Mbuagbaw L. Obesity and weight change during the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2023; 24:e13550. [PMID: 36721999 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Many obesity risk factors have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, including physical inactivity, poor diet, stress, and poverty. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as associated lockdowns or restrictions, on weight change in children and adults. We searched five databases from January 2020 to November 2021. We included only longitudinal studies with measures from before and during the pandemic that evaluated the change in weight, body mass index (BMI) (or BMI z-scores for children), waist circumference, or the prevalence of obesity. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to obtain pooled estimates of the mean difference in outcomes. Subgroups were evaluated for age groups and diabetes or obesity at baseline. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A total of 74 studies were included (3,213,776 total participants): 31 studies of children, 41 studies of adults, and 2 studies of children and adults. In children, the pooled mean difference was 1.65 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40, 2.90; 9 studies) for weight and 0.13 (95% CI 0.10, 0.17; 20 studies) for BMI z-scores, and the prevalence of obesity increased by 2% (95% CI 1%, 3%; 12 studies). In adults, the pooled mean difference was 0.93 kg (95% CI 0.54, 1.33; 27 studies) for weight and 0.38 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.21, 0.55; 25 studies) for BMI, and the prevalence of obesity increased by 1% (95% CI 0%, 3%; 11 studies). In children and adults, the pooled mean difference for waist circumference was 1.03 cm (95% CI -0.08, 2.15; 4 studies). There was considerable heterogeneity observed for all outcomes in both children and adults, and the certainty of evidence assessed using GRADE was very low for all outcomes. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, small but potentially clinically significant increases in weight gain, BMI, and increased prevalence of obesity in both children and adults were observed. Increases were greater in children, and targeted prevention interventions may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Anderson
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yulika Yoshida-Montezuma
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nora Dewart
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ezza Jalil
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jayati Khattar
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vanessa De Rubeis
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Carsley
- Department of Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren E Griffith
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health (CDBPH), Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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9
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Dopke KM, Pattison KL, Schaefer EW, Fogel BN, Sekhar DL. Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric weight: A retrospective chart review. Prev Med Rep 2023; 31:102109. [PMID: 36619801 PMCID: PMC9806925 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.102109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic forced United States school closures in March 2020. Students moved to online learning, fostering a sedentary lifestyle. As the pandemic heightened population disparities, the impact on weight gain may also be unequally distributed. This study aimed to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI) z-scores and weight percentiles of pediatric patients during the pandemic and associated demographics to identify those at risk for weight gain. Methods included a retrospective chart review of patients 5-18 years-old with a well-visit in the three years 2018, 2019 and 2020; first identified with a well-visit in August-September of 2020. BMI z-scores and weight percentiles were analyzed using a correlated errors regression model appropriate for longitudinal data. This longitudinal approach was used to model outcomes by patient demographics. Interaction terms with time were evaluated for each variable. Of 728 patients, mean age was 9.7 years (2018); 47 % female, 70 % white, and 23 % publicly insured. BMI z-score did not increase significantly from 2018-2019 versus 2019-2020. Weight percentile demonstrated a slight trajectory increase over these same time points. Publicly insured patients demonstrated significantly greater increase in BMI z-score versus privately insured patients (p = 0.009). Mean differences between groups increased from 0.26 in 2018 (95 % CI [0.07, 0.45]) to 0.42 in 2020 (95 % CI [0.23, 0.61]). Results were similar for weight percentile. Publicly insured pediatric patients experienced significant increase in BMI-z score and weight percentile, but over time this trajectory remained constant. The results support targeting at risk subgroups in addressing long-term impacts of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Dopke
- Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States,Corresponding author at: 90 Hope Drive, A145, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
| | | | - Eric W. Schaefer
- Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Benjamin N. Fogel
- Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Deepa L. Sekhar
- Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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10
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The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in Turkiye. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 76:e15-e19. [PMID: 36245081 PMCID: PMC9760371 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school-age children in Isparta Province, Turkiye, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to compare the results with those of previous studies conducted in Isparta in 2005, 2009, and 2014. METHODS The study was carried out in schools in the city center of Isparta in March 2022, during which the weight and height of students were measured using a scale and stadiometer, and the body mass indices (BMI), BMI percentiles, and z scores were calculated. RESULTS Of the 8871 students assessed, 4547 (51.3%) were female and the mean age of the sample was 11.92 ± 3.42 (6-18.93) years. The prevalence of overweight was 12%, the prevalence of obesity was 14.5%, and the prevalence of overweight + obesity was 26.5%. A comparison of the figures since 2005 revealed the prevalence of overweight to be stable, while the prevalence of obesity and the prevalence of overweight + obesity were found to have witnessed a increase (χ 2 : 57.01, P < 0.001). The prevalence of obesity was 13% among girls under 11 years of age and 14.3% among girls over 11 years of age; and 18.2% and 12.8% among boys under and over 11 years of age, respectively (χ 2 : 23.26, P < 0.001). The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher in boys under 11 years of age. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of overweight + obesity was nearly stable in the 3 studies conducted over the 17-year period, but we witnessed an increase in our most recent study conducted during the pandemic. The prevalence of obesity is significantly higher in boys under 11 years of age.
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11
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Miller A, Bochner R, Sohler N, Calixte R, Chan C, Umpaichitra V, Shalmiyev E, Novikova N, Desai N, Seigel W, Chin V, Periasamy S, Waldman L, Bamji M, Nagpal N, Duh‐Leong C, Reznik M, Messito M, Bargman R. Modified body mass index z-scores in children in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatr Obes 2022; 17:e12958. [PMID: 35770679 PMCID: PMC9350030 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determine whether the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight gain trajectories among children attending well-child visits in New York City persisted after the public health restrictions were reduced. STUDY DESIGN Multicenter retrospective chart review study of 7150 children aged 3-19 years seen for well-child care between 1 January 2018 and 4 December 2021 in the NYC Health and Hospitals system. Primary outcome was the difference in annual change of modified body mass index z-score (mBMIz) between the pre-pandemic and early- and late-pandemic periods. The mBMIz allows for tracking of a greater range of BMI values than the traditional BMI z-score. The secondary outcome was odds of overweight, obesity, or severe obesity. Multivariable analyses were conducted with each outcome as the dependent variable, and year, age category, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, NYC borough, and baseline weight category as independent variables. RESULTS The difference in annual mBMIz change for pre-pandemic to early-pandemic = 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.20) and for pre-pandemic to late-pandemic = 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.06). There was a statistically significant interaction between period and baseline weight category. Those with severe obesity at baseline had the greatest mBMIz increase during both pandemic periods and those with underweight at baseline had the lowest mBMIz increase during both pandemic periods. CONCLUSION In NYC, the worsening mBMIz trajectories for children associated with COVID-19 restrictions did not reverse by 2021. Decisions about continuing restrictions, such as school closures, should carefully weigh the negative health impact of these policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assia Miller
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Risa Bochner
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Nancy Sohler
- City University of New York School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Rose Calixte
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Cameron Chan
- City University of New York School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Vatcharapan Umpaichitra
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Elman Shalmiyev
- New York City Health and Hospitals Central OfficeManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Natalia Novikova
- New York City Health and Hospitals Central OfficeManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Ninad Desai
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Warren Seigel
- New York City Health and Hospitals Coney Island HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Vivian Chin
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Sundari Periasamy
- New York City Health and Hospitals Harlem HospitalManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Lee Waldman
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Mahrukh Bamji
- New York City Health and Hospitals Metropolitan HospitalManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Nikita Nagpal
- New York City Health and Hospitals Bellevue HospitalManhattanNew YorkUSA,New York University Grossman School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Carol Duh‐Leong
- New York City Health and Hospitals Bellevue HospitalManhattanNew YorkUSA,New York University Grossman School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Makhmood Reznik
- New York City Health and Hospitals Coney Island HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Mary Messito
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,New York University Grossman School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Renee Bargman
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA,New York City Health and Hospitals Coney Island HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
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12
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Chaves E, Reddy SD, Cadieux A, Tomasula J, Reynolds K. The Continued Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Obesity: A Commentary on the Return to a Healthy New "Normal". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5597. [PMID: 35564991 PMCID: PMC9103242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Two years into this pandemic, mental health symptoms are more prevalent in children and adolescents, routine wellness visits have decreased, individuals and families are experiencing increased stress, and food and nutrition insecurity are on the rise. Pediatric overweight and obesity are yet another health condition that has been impacted by the pandemic. The current commentary aims to (a) summarize a variety of factors contributing to worsening obesity and healthy lifestyle choices in youth throughout the pandemic and to (b) provide recommendations for healthcare providers on navigating this challenge. Specific health behaviors, such as increased sedentary behavior, decreased physical activity, a change to families' home-food environments, and an increase in sleep dysregulation have contributed to increased weight gain in children and adolescents. As uncertainty continues with the advent of various COVID-19 variants, it remains important to consider how the pandemic has impacted pediatric overweight and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Chaves
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Sheethal D. Reddy
- Children’s Pediatric Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Adelle Cadieux
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
| | | | - Kimberly Reynolds
- Institute on Development and Disability, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
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13
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Lubrecht J, Arayess L, Reijnders D, Hesselink ML, Velde GT, Janse A, von Rosenstiel I, van Mil EGAH, Verweij M, Vreugdenhil ACE. Weight Gain in Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Protective Effect of Lifestyle Intervention in Children with Obesity. Obes Facts 2022; 15:600-608. [PMID: 35640561 PMCID: PMC9421665 DOI: 10.1159/000525298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic affect children's daily structure, mealtimes, physical activity, and sleeping habits, possibly exacerbating weight gain, particularly in vulnerable children with overweight and obesity. This study aimed to evaluate both perceived and objectively measured weight gain in children in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of prior lifestyle intervention. METHODS A total of 150 children of the Children, Obesity and Lifestyle during COVID-19 (COLC) study (cohort A) reported perceptions of weight change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anthropometric data of 65 children with overweight and obesity were collected at the expertise Centre for Overweight Adolescent and Children's Healthcare in the same period (COACH; cohort B). RESULTS In cohort A, 43% of children with overweight and obesity perceived weight gain during the pandemic, compared to 15% of lean children. In cohort B, the BMI z-score increased significantly (+0.065 SD) within 5 months. Participation in a lifestyle intervention for >1 year and having parents with Dutch background was associated with less weight gain, specifically in children with obesity. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION In particular, children with overweight and obesity seem to be at risk for accelerated weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior long-term participation in a lifestyle intervention protects against this weight gain, which emphasizes the importance of strong support for vulnerable populations during health crises and pleads for wide implementation of lifestyle interventions for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Lubrecht
- Centre for Overweight Adolescent and Children's Healthcare (COACH), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands,
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands,
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands,
| | - Lisanne Arayess
- Centre for Overweight Adolescent and Children's Healthcare (COACH), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dorien Reijnders
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn Lotte Hesselink
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gabrielle Ten Velde
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Arieke Janse
- Department of Pediatrics, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Ede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Edgar G A H van Mil
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Marjoke Verweij
- Department of Pediatrics, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Anita C E Vreugdenhil
- Centre for Overweight Adolescent and Children's Healthcare (COACH), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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