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Obesity increased the risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in children

D R Zimmerman1, M Goldberg2, M Blaychfeld Magnazi1,3

  • 1Ministry of Health, Public Health Services, Jerusalem, Israel.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|April 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity increases the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Public health strategies should consider prioritizing overweight and obese children for vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing concern with potential long-term health implications.
  • The impact of excess weight on the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the association between childhood obesity and the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To inform public health policies regarding infection prevention and vaccination strategies for children.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based, cross-sectional study utilizing Israeli Growth Survey and COVID-19 data.
  • Inclusion criteria: children with at least one SARS-CoV-2 test between February 2020 and December 2021.
  • Overweight and obesity were defined using body mass index (BMI) and CDC criteria; multivariate logistic regression was employed.

Main Results:

  • The study analyzed 444,868 child records, with a 22% overall SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate.
  • Children classified as overweight or obese at age 6 showed a statistically significant increased odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Odds ratios for obesity and overweight were 1.07-1.12 and 1.06-1.08, respectively, compared to healthy weight peers.

Conclusions:

  • Excess weight in childhood is linked to a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • These findings underscore the importance of considering excess weight in public health planning, including prioritizing vaccination for at-risk children.
  • Childhood obesity poses immediate health risks beyond long-term complications.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19 diseaseSARS-CoV-2 infectionchildhood obesitydisease spread

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