The Increase in Childhood Obesity and Its Association with Hypertension during Pandemics

The ongoing impact of obesity on childhood hypertension

Obesity rates among children have been steadily rising over the past several decades. This epidemic has been accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of childhood hypertension, with children in low- and middle-income countries being affected to the same extent as children in high-income countries. This review will examine the trends in childhood blood pressure and the relationship between excess body weight and the development of hypertension. In addition, distinct mechanisms of obesity-related hypertension will be discussed. There will be an emphasis on recent studies conducted since the publication of new guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2017 which resulted in the adoption of lower normative blood pressure cutoffs. The overall intent of this review is to provide the reader with an understanding of the ongoing impact, and complexities, of obesity-related hypertension.

Effect of aerobic exercise on anthropometric parameters among Indian primary school children

Childhood obesity is a global public health concern with significant implications for long-term health. This study addresses the rising rates of obesity among school-age children (10-12 years) and investigates the effectiveness of aerobic exercise interventions in improving anthropometric parameters, specifically focusing on BMI and mid-arm circumference (MAC). The study emphasizes the role of schools in shaping children's behaviors and aims to contribute empirical evidence to inform health promotion strategies for this demographic. The research employs a quasi-experimental design, involving 60 school-age children in Visnagar, Gujarat, India. The 12-week aerobic exercise intervention, conducted three times a week, comprises activities like running, jumping jacks, and dance routines. Data collection includes sociodemographic information, BMI, and MAC measurements. The study design, participant criteria, and intervention details are carefully outlined. Socio-demographic variables such as age and monthly family income significantly influence BMI, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in interventions. Pretest results show 80% of children classified as overweight, reducing to 58.3% post-intervention. The mean BMI significantly decreases from 24.41 to 22.84 (p < 0.05), indicating the positive impact of aerobic exercise. The study also explores the association between BMI, MAC, and socio-demographic variables through chi-square tests. Data shows the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-age children and demonstrates the effectiveness of a 12-week aerobic exercise program in improving BMI. Findings align with existing literature on the positive impact of physical activity on weight management in children.

The Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Obesity

In the developed world, pediatric obesity (PO) has been a major health concern since the last century, and this condition may lead to detrimental life-long physical and mental comorbidities. Currently, its prevalence has increased in low- and middle-income countries and in many high-income countries. Thus, the provision of effective and tailored care for children and their families has become vital. The social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are known everywhere, and among these, it has been argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on PO. Overall, the growth of PO over the last decade has been enhanced by the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children, adolescents and young adults gained weight as the pediatric population dealt with sedentary lifestyles and changes in food habits. In this review, we want to highlight the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on PO.