The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Childhood Obesity: A Review

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2023-09, Vol.15 (9), p.e45470-e45470
• Main Authors: Ferentinou, Eftychia, Koutelekos, Ioannis, Pappa, Despoina, Manthou, Panagiota, Dafogianni, Chrysoula
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Childhood; Childrens health; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Eating behavior; Exercise; Health Policy; Nutrition; Obesity; Pandemics; Pediatrics; School closures; Shelter in place
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45470

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed many families’ eating habits and lifestyles. The main aim of this study was to investigate the association between COVID-19 and childhood obesity across the scientific literature. Literature reviews have shown that the current COVID-19 pandemic may play a major negative role in the global fight against childhood obesity. School closures, changes in routine, loss of structure, and loss of control were negatively associated with childhood obesity during the COVID-19 period. In addition, physical inactivity, irregular sleep, increased smartphone/TV screen time, and sedentary life may have played a significant negative role in social distress among children and adolescents. It has been argued that school closures during the pandemic have the potential to increase the prevalence of childhood obesity. Finally, family violence was predicted to increase during the pandemic, putting already vulnerable children at increased risk. The pandemic caused significant morbidity and mortality, straining healthcare systems, shutting down economies, and closing school districts. Pandemic future planning should involve stakeholders, including governments, schools, and families, who should make every effort to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on childhood obesity.