CDC reports an increase in Childhood Obesity during the Pandemic

The CDC reported an increase in childhood obesity in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Longitudinal Trends in Body Mass Index Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Persons Aged 2–19 Years — United States, 2018–2020.

Among a cohort of 432,302 persons aged 2–19 years, the rate of body mass index (BMI) increase approximately doubled during the pandemic compared to a prepandemic period. Persons with prepandemic overweight or obesity and younger school-aged children experienced the largest increases.

The table is divided into four age groups. The different patterns of the lines mean categories of weights: Underweight, Healthy weight, Overweight, Moderate Obesity, and Severe Obesity.

The figure shows that almost all age groups, except the underweight, increased their BMI. The most significant increase was in the 3-5 years and 6-11 years.

The most common causes of childhood obesity are an unhealthy diet and excess calories coupled with a sedentary lifestyle.

Here is what the CDC said about the rapid increase in weight gain. Emphasis added.

Accelerated weight gain, especially among children with overweight or obesity, can cause long-lasting metabolic changes that put children at risk for serious and costly co-occurring conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and depression

The metabolic changes affect the way the body uses carbohydrates and distributes body fat. The changes are long-lasting. The fat inside the abdomen, called visceral fat, can increase and infiltrate the different organs like the liver and pancreas.

Fatty liver and fatty pancreas can lead to diabetes and promotes more fat accumulation creating a vicious cycle.

Furthermore, type 2 diabetes and hypertension contribute to atherosclerosis of the blood vessels starts during the ages 11-20 years old—the earlier the start of atherosclerosis, the earlier the onset of coronary artery disease and strokes.

School has started, and children are back to their regular routine and hopefully more physical activities.

Here are some steps you can take. First, check your child’s BMI.

The CDC has a BMI Calculator for Children and teens.

Second, know that the BMI values for children are not the same as in adults. Look at the graph below after calculating your child’s BMI.

Third, once you know the percentile based on the age and BMI above, you can tell if your child is underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese below.

Once you know their weight status, you can talk to their pediatrician for a referral to a dietician if needed or go to the Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet of the Mayo Clinic.

While the main thing to address to lose weight is diet, physical activity helps burn calories too. Read Exercise Guidelines.

Weight problems are carried into adulthood. Overweight children become overweight adults with multiple chronic diseases.

Obesity leads to cancers, arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, and strokes. It is best to address it early.

The good news is that positive lifestyle changes in the young can affect their metabolism and provide good health decades into the future.

Knowledge about Covid-19 is rapidly evolving. Information may update as new studies are made. Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share and like.

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Reference:
Lange SJ, Kompaniyets L, Freedman DS, et al. Longitudinal Trends in Body Mass Index Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Persons Aged 2–19 Years — United States, 2018–2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1278–1283. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7037a3

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