The Continued Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Obesity: A Commentary on the Return to a Healthy New “Normal”

Eileen Chaves, Sheethal D. Reddy, Adelle Cadieux, Jessica Tomasula and Kimberly Reynolds
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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
Jessica Tomasula: WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh, NC 27610, USA
Kimberly Reynolds: Institute on Development and Disability, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-8

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.

Keywords: pediatric obesity; COVID-19 pandemic; obesity guidelines (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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