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Stackpole KMW, Kharofa RY, Tucker JM, Novick MB, Fals AM, Bernier AV, Tammi EM, Khoury PR, Siegel R, Paul S, Naramore SK, Moore JM. Telehealth Use in a National Pediatric Weight Management Sample During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Child Obes 2024; 20:309-320. [PMID: 37440173 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2023.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to assess the implementation and access to telehealth-delivered pediatric weight management (PWM) during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic at six US PWM programs (PWMP) using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. Methods: The COVID-19 period (COVID) was defined in this retrospective, multisite study as the time when each site closed in-person care during 2020. The Pre-COVID period (Pre-COVID) was an equivalent time frame in 2019. Patients were stratified by visit completion status. Patient characteristics for COVID and Pre-COVID were compared to examine potential changes/disparities in access to care. Results: There were 3297 unique patients included across the six sites. On average, telehealth was initiated 4 days after in-person clinic closure. Compared with Pre-COVID, COVID (mean duration: 9 weeks) yielded fewer total completed visits (1300 vs. 2157) and decreased revenue (mean proportion of nonreimbursed visits 33.30% vs. 16.67%). Among the completed visits, COVID included a lower proportion of new visits and fewer patients who were male, non-English speaking, Hispanic, or Asian and more patients who were Black or lived ≥20 miles from the program site (p < 0.05 for all). Among no-show/canceled visits, COVID included more patients who had private insurance, older age, or a longer time since the last follow-up. Conclusion: Rapid implementation of telehealth during COVID facilitated continuity of PWM care. Clinic volume and reimbursement were lower during COVID and differences in the patient population reached by telehealth emerged. Further characterization of barriers to telehealth for PWM is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M W Stackpole
- Center for Better Health and Nutrition, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Roohi Y Kharofa
- Center for Better Health and Nutrition, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jared M Tucker
- Health Optimization Services, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Marsha B Novick
- Department of Pediatrics and Family and Community Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
- Healthy Weight Program for Children and Teens, Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Angela M Fals
- AdventHealth for Children/AdventHealth Medical Group Pediatric Weight and Wellness, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Angelina V Bernier
- Metabolic & Obesity Program, Pediatric Endocrinology, UF Health Shands Hospital, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Erin M Tammi
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Philip R Khoury
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Robert Siegel
- Center for Better Health and Nutrition, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Suzanne Paul
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sara K Naramore
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
- Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jaime M Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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Na X, Zhang J, Xie C, Zeng H, Wu L, Fan D, Yang H, Shi X, Zhou Y, Yu H, Tan Y, Zhang Y, Zhao A. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dietary behaviors among school-age children, adolescents, and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae050. [PMID: 38820346 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae050] [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] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global impact on food security and nutrition, both in the short and long term. The influence on school-age children, adolescents, and young adults may be particularly significant and long-lasting. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dietary habits among school-age children, adolescents, and young adults worldwide. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched from inception to October 5, 2023. DATA EXTRACTION We included observational studies published in English that reported dietary quality scores and dietary intake quantities during and before the COVID-19 pandemic among school-age children, adolescents, and young adults. We included a total of 22 cohort studies and 20 cross-sectional studies of high or moderate quality. DATA ANALYSIS We conducted a meta-analysis, expressing dietary quality scores and dietary intake quantities as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For studies with low heterogeneity, we used a fixed-effects model; otherwise, we applied a random-effects model. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was employed by 2 reviewers independently to evaluate methodological quality. The analysis indicated that, overall, juice intake increased (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.20), while alcohol consumption reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic (SMD = -0.28, 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.08). However, the age-stratified results varied. Among school-age children, intake of fruit, dairy products, sugar, and juice increased. Adolescents showed an increase in meal frequency and vegetable intake. Young adults showed reduced carbohydrate and alcohol intakes, while protein and dairy product intakes increased, based on limited included studies. CONCLUSION Dietary changes in school-age children from before to during the pandemic were mixed, while dietary behavior changes in adolescents and young adults tended to be more positive. Considering the lasting effects of negative dietary behaviors, attention should be given to addressing the increased sugar and juice intakes. It is also crucial that caregivers and researchers monitor whether positive dietary behaviors will rebound after returning to normal study and life. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023420923.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Na
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Junhan Zhang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chenyou Xie
- School of Arts & Sciences, University of Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Huatang Zeng
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518028, China
| | - Liqun Wu
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518028, China
| | - Dongying Fan
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haibing Yang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaojin Shi
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yiguo Zhou
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Haoran Yu
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuefeng Tan
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ai Zhao
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Beynon C, Davies L. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood obesity rates, by Health Board area, in Wales, UK. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:223-229. [PMID: 38324401 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae011] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine the possible impact of the coronavirus pandemic on rates of children living with obesity and severe obesity, by Health Board area in Wales. METHODS The pre-pandemic data consisted of all children included in the Wales Childhood Measurement Programme (2014/15-2018/19). The 2021/22 Child Measurement Programme data were used as the post-pandemic data set. Body mass index for obesity and severe obesity were calculated as 95th and 99.6th centiles, respectively. RESULTS Of the 163 277 children measured pre-pandemic (2014/15 to 2018/19), the overall prevalence of children with obesity and severe obesity were 12.1 and 3.2%, respectively. In the post-pandemic year (2021/22), obesity increased to 15.5% and severe obesity increased to 4.8%, with clear deprivation differentials (noting one of the seven Health Boards was unable to submit data post-pandemic). Two Health Boards had significantly higher rates of obesity post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Increased levels of severe obesity were observed in all Health Boards with available data. CONCLUSION The post-pandemic rise in obesity and severe obesity in young children living in Wales demonstrates a need for more work on the prevention of obesity and severe obesity, targeting the early years and areas of socio-economic disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Beynon
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff CF14 4HH, UK
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Woods N, Seabrook JA, Schaafsma H, Burke S, Tucker T, Gilliland J. Dietary Changes of Youth during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. J Nutr 2024; 154:1376-1403. [PMID: 38408731 PMCID: PMC11007747 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.02.022] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has taken the lives of millions and disrupted countless more worldwide. Simply living through the pandemic has had drastic effects on the health of citizens. Diet, an important aspect of health, has been uniquely affected by the pandemic, although these changes have not been sufficiently studied among youth. OBJECTIVES The objective of this systematic review was to investigate dietary changes of youth during COVID-19. METHODS A prespecified literature review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and CINAHL to identify studies from January 2020 to May 2023 that assessed dietary changes among youth aged ≤20 y compared with before the pandemic. Only quantitative observational studies that were published in English were included. Two authors completed all screening/study selection independently, with disagreements being resolved via discussion. Data extraction was completed by 1 author. Dietary changes were categorized into food groups and habits for analysis purposes. RESULTS In total, 67 studies met inclusion criteria. Most studies used recall to assess changes (48/67; 71.6%). Most studies found an increase in fruits and vegetables (24/46; 52.2%), grain products (6/11; 54.5%), meat, poultry, and eggs (4/8, 50.0%), diet quality indices and/or overall dietary assessments (7/13, 53.8%), and the frequency of snacking (9/12; 75.0%), whereas generally finding a decrease in ultraprocessed foods (32/53; 60.4%), compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed findings or primarily no changes were found for fish and aquatic products, legumes, beans, seeds and nuts, milk and milk products, breakfast consumption, and nutrient intake. CONCLUSIONS Mostly favorable dietary changes appear to have occurred among youth during COVID-19, although there were several mixed findings and unclear takeaways among the foods and habits under study. The heterogeneity of defining food groups was a noted limitation in the current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Woods
- School of Health Studies, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Holly Schaafsma
- School of Health Studies, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Shauna Burke
- School of Health Studies, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Trish Tucker
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; School of Occupational Therapy, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jason Gilliland
- School of Health Studies, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Chatzidaki E, Chioti V, Mourtou L, Papavasileiou G, Kitani RA, Kalafatis E, Mitsis K, Athanasiou M, Zarkogianni K, Nikita K, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Pervanidou P. Parenting Styles and Psychosocial Factors of Mother-Child Dyads Participating in the ENDORSE Digital Weight Management Program for Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:107. [PMID: 38255420 PMCID: PMC10814028 DOI: 10.3390/children11010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a complex disease with multiple biological and psychosocial risk factors. Recently, novel digital programs were developed with growing evidence for their effectiveness in pediatric weight management studies. The ENDORSE platform consists of mobile applications, wearables, and serious games for the remote management of childhood obesity. The pilot studies included 50 mothers and their children aged 6-14 years and resulted in a clinically significant BMI z-score reduction over 4 to 5 months. This secondary analysis of the ENDORSE study focuses on parenting styles and psychosocial factors. METHODOLOGY Semi-structured clinical interviews were conducted with all participating mothers pre-and post-intervention. The Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) evaluated the mothers' parenting styles. The psychosocial functioning of the participating children was assessed with the parental version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The relationship between parenting styles, psychosocial parameters, and weight outcomes was investigated using a linear regression analysis. RESULTS Weight-related stigma at school (56%), body image concerns (66%), and difficulties in family relationships (48%) were the main concerns documented during the initial psychological interviews. According to the SDQ, there was a significant decrease in children's conduct problems during the study's initial phase (pre-pilot group). A decrease in maternal demandingness (i.e., strict parenting style) was associated with a decrease in BMI z-score (beta coefficient = 0.314, p-value = 0.003). CONCLUSION Decreasing parental demandingness was associated with better weight outcomes, highlighting the importance of assessing parenting factors in pediatric weight management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evi Chatzidaki
- First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (V.C.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Vassiliki Chioti
- First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (V.C.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Lidia Mourtou
- Postgraduate Course on “The Science of Stress and Health Promotion”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (L.M.); (G.P.); (R.-A.K.)
| | - Georgia Papavasileiou
- Postgraduate Course on “The Science of Stress and Health Promotion”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (L.M.); (G.P.); (R.-A.K.)
| | - Rosa-Anna Kitani
- Postgraduate Course on “The Science of Stress and Health Promotion”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (L.M.); (G.P.); (R.-A.K.)
| | - Eleftherios Kalafatis
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (K.M.); (M.A.); (K.Z.); (K.N.)
| | - Kostas Mitsis
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (K.M.); (M.A.); (K.Z.); (K.N.)
| | - Maria Athanasiou
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (K.M.); (M.A.); (K.Z.); (K.N.)
| | - Konstantia Zarkogianni
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (K.M.); (M.A.); (K.Z.); (K.N.)
- Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Konstantina Nikita
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (K.M.); (M.A.); (K.Z.); (K.N.)
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (V.C.); (C.K.-G.)
- Postgraduate Course on “The Science of Stress and Health Promotion”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (L.M.); (G.P.); (R.-A.K.)
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (V.C.); (C.K.-G.)
- Postgraduate Course on “The Science of Stress and Health Promotion”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (L.M.); (G.P.); (R.-A.K.)
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Hong Y, Ullah R, Wang JB, Fu JF. Trends of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in China. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:1115-1126. [PMID: 36920656 PMCID: PMC10015139 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00709-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent decades have shown a rapid increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children based on several national surveys. Restrictions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak have worsened its epidemiology. This review updates the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents and analyzes the underlying reasons to provide evidence for better policy making. METHODS Studies published in English and Chinese were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang. RESULTS The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been increasing for decades and varies with age, sex and geography but is more pronounced in primary school students. The increase in obesity in boys appeared to be slower, whereas that in girls showed a declining trend. The northern areas of China have persistently maintained the highest levels of obesity with a stable trend in recent years. Meanwhile, the prevalence in eastern regions has dramatically increased. Notably, the overall prevalence of obesity in children has shown a stabilizing trend in recent years. However, the occurrence of obesity-related metabolic diseases increased. The effect of migrants floating into east-coast cities should not be neglected. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents persists but with varying patterns. Obesity-related metabolic diseases occur more frequently despite a stable trend of obesity. Multiple factors are responsible for the changing prevalence. Thus, comprehensive and flexible policies are needed to effectively manage and prevent the burden of obesity and its related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Hong
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Rahim Ullah
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Jian-Bing Wang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Jun-Fen Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
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Vasile CM, Padovani P, Rujinski SD, Nicolosu D, Toma C, Turcu AA, Cioboata R. The Increase in Childhood Obesity and Its Association with Hypertension during Pandemics. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5909. [PMID: 37762850 PMCID: PMC10531996 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a major ongoing health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's lives, including lifestyle and overall health. Enforcement of prevention measures, such as school closures and social distancing, has significantly affected children's daily routines and activities. This perspective manuscript aims to explore the rise in childhood obesity and its association with hypertension during pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions in children's routines, including reduced physical activity, increased sedentary behavior, and changes in dietary patterns. These factors, coupled with the psychological impact of the pandemic, have contributed to an alarming increase in childhood obesity rates. This paper has highlighted the concerning increase in childhood obesity and hypertension during pandemics. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including reduced physical activity, increased sedentary behaviors, and changes in dietary patterns, have contributed to the rise in these health conditions. It is crucial to recognize the long-term consequences of childhood obesity and hypertension and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Maria Vasile
- Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiology, University Hospital of Bordeaux, F-33600 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Paul Padovani
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, FHU PreciCare, F-44000 Nantes, France;
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CIC FEA 1413, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | | | - Dragos Nicolosu
- Pneumology Department, Victor Babes University Hospital Craiova, 200515 Craiova, Romania; (D.N.); (R.C.)
| | - Claudia Toma
- Pneumology Department, University of Medicine Carol Davila, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Adina Andreea Turcu
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Pharmacy and Medicine Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ramona Cioboata
- Pneumology Department, Victor Babes University Hospital Craiova, 200515 Craiova, Romania; (D.N.); (R.C.)
- Pneumology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Ninchoji T, Aoto Y, Momo N, Maruyama J, Ioi H, Uchida H. Management of children with obesity at local hospital and impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1228681. [PMID: 37635787 PMCID: PMC10448958 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1228681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the status of children with obesity before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of lifestyle guidance on weight loss among children in Japan. We analysed the data of patients who visited our hospital after check-ups for obesity and evaluated the efficacy of lifestyle guidance. The patients were divided into groups A, B, and C (year 2011, 2019, and 2021, respectively). There were no differences in body weight, obesity index (OI), blood pressure, or alanine transaminase (ALT) levels between the groups; however, aspartate transaminase (AST) level was the highest in Group C. In Group C, only OI increased between the primary and secondary screenings; however, OI and body mass index (BMI) improved during the second screening and more children in the weight loss group followed lifestyle guidance. OI/BMI did not change over the past decade; however, short-term weight gain was significant owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and simple guidance was effective in reducing weight. Future challenges include identifying methods to achieve long-term weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Ninchoji
- Department of Paediatrics, Harima Himeji General Medical Centre, Himeji, Japan
| | - Yuya Aoto
- Department of Paediatrics, Harima Himeji General Medical Centre, Himeji, Japan
| | - Natsuki Momo
- Department of Paediatrics, Harima Himeji General Medical Centre, Himeji, Japan
| | - Jun Maruyama
- Department of Paediatrics, Harima Himeji General Medical Centre, Himeji, Japan
| | | | - Hayato Uchida
- School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, Himeji, Japan
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9
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Nour TY, Altintaş KH. Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on obesity and it is risk factors: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1018. [PMID: 37254139 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15833-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by the severe acute new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Devastating social, economic, and health service utilisation-related activities. Increased burden and lifestyle changes due to confinement. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate and determine the determinants of obesity during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic from 2019 to 2023. METHODS Observational studies published between December 2019 and January 2023 were thoroughly searched using a PRISMA flow chart. PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, HINARI, Scopus, and Embase databases were used. Two reviewers independently identified and critically evaluated the relevant literature. Studies that reported weight gain or involved BMI measurements of 25 kg/m2 or BMI z-scores for children during the COVID-19 lockdown were selected for inclusion. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used as a quality assessment instrument in nonrandomised studies to evaluate study quality. All the contributing determinants of weight increase were identified, gathered, and synthesised. RESULTS This systematic review identified 40 studies with a total population of 5,681,813 from 22 countries, of which 74.6% were male. The sample size from included articles ranged from 37 to 5,315,435. Of the 40 selected articles, 24 focused on adults, five on adolescents, three on children, and eight on children and adolescents. Physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, bad eating habits, behavioural lifestyle, excessive stress, depression, anxiety, behavioural risk factors, sex, and ethnic minorities were associated with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor eating patterns were the most common risk factors for obesity. Additionally, unhealthy eating habits, excessive behavioural stress, depression, anxiety, low mood, age, gender, and ethnic minorities have been identified as risk factors for obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Yousuf Nour
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
| | - Kerim Hakan Altintaş
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Aragón-Vela J, Alcalá-Bejarano Carrillo J, Moreno-Racero A, Plaza-Diaz J. The Role of Molecular and Hormonal Factors in Obesity and the Effects of Physical Activity in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15413. [PMID: 36499740 PMCID: PMC9737554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and overweight are defined as abnormal fat accumulations. Adipose tissue consists of more than merely adipocytes; each adipocyte is closely coupled with the extracellular matrix. Adipose tissue stores excess energy through expansion. Obesity is caused by the abnormal expansion of adipose tissue as a result of adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. The process of obesity is controlled by several molecules, such as integrins, kindlins, or matrix metalloproteinases. In children with obesity, metabolomics studies have provided insight into the existence of unique metabolic profiles. As a result of low-grade inflammation in the system, abnormalities were observed in several metabolites associated with lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acid pathways. In addition, obesity and related hormones, such as leptin, play an instrumental role in regulating food intake and contributing to childhood obesity. The World Health Organization states that physical activity benefits the heart, the body, and the mind. Several noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, can be prevented and managed through physical activity. In this work, we reviewed pediatric studies that examined the molecular and hormonal control of obesity and the influence of physical activity on children with obesity or overweight. The purpose of this review was to examine some orchestrators involved in this disease and how they are related to pediatric populations. A larger number of randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes and long-term studies could lead to the discovery of new key molecules as well as the detection of significant factors in the coming years. In order to improve the health of the pediatric population, omics analyses and machine learning techniques can be combined in order to improve treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerónimo Aragón-Vela
- Department of Health Sciences, Area of Physiology, Building B3, Campus s/n “Las Lagunillas”, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Jesús Alcalá-Bejarano Carrillo
- Department of Health, University of the Valley of Mexico, Robles 600, Tecnologico I, San Luis Potosí 78220, Mexico
- Research and Advances in Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Center of Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Avda, del Conocimiento s/n, 18016 Armilla, Spain
| | - Aurora Moreno-Racero
- Research and Advances in Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Center of Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Avda, del Conocimiento s/n, 18016 Armilla, Spain
| | - Julio Plaza-Diaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS, Granada, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
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Li G, Yang L, Xu X, Chen M, Cai Y, Wen Y, Xie X, Lu X, Luo S, Lin S, Li H, Wu S. Physical Changes of Preschool Children during COVID-19 School Closures in Fujian, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13699. [PMID: 36294276 PMCID: PMC9602639 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic may constitute an "obesogenic lifestyle" that results in exacerbating childhood obesity. However, studies investigating regional sociodemographic factors including different age groups or sexes in children with obesity are lacking. We aimed to clarify the high obesity prevalence populations of preschool children to provide a regional basis for children's health policy during the COVID-19 school closures. From May to September 2019, a total of 29,518 preschool children were included in a large sample, multicenter cross-sectional study to explore physical status in Fujian Province by stratified cluster random sampling. In October 2019 and October 2020, we also conducted a cross-sectional study exploring physical development including changes in height, weight, and BMI of 1688 preschool children in Fuzhou before and after the COVID-19 school closures. Student' s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or chi-square test was used to assess differences in physical development and overweight and obesity rates among preschool children before and after school closures. For regional factors, the weight of urban preschool children of all ages became higher after the outbreak (p (age 3-4) = 0.009; p (age 4-5) < 0.001; p (age 5-6) = 0.002). For sex factors, overweight and obesity in boys had a greater prevalence than in girls before and after the outbreak. In four age groups, overweight and obesity rates in the 5-year-old group (15.5% and 9.9%) were higher than before (11.4% and 6.0%). The weight and BMI of 4- to 5-year-old children also increased faster than before (p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic has promoted the epidemic of childhood obesity. Living in urban/coastal (economically developed) areas, boys, and aged 4-6 years old may be a susceptible population to obesity development after the outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobo Li
- Department of Child Healthcare Centre, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Le Yang
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xingyan Xu
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Mingjun Chen
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Yingying Cai
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Fujian Children’s Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Yeying Wen
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xiaoxu Xie
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xinyue Lu
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Suping Luo
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Shaowei Lin
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Huangyuan Li
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Siying Wu
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
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