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Excessive weight gain among preschool children during the COVID-19 lockdown in China: a retrospective observational

Lili Huang1,2, Fei Xiong1,2, Lingfei Pan2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|July 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Excessive weight gain in preschool children increased during the COVID-19 lockdown, linked to screen time and parental BMI. Protective factors included larger living spaces and good mental behavior, highlighting the need for interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns presented unprecedented challenges to public health, particularly concerning lifestyle changes and their impact on child development.
  • Preschool children are a vulnerable population susceptible to environmental influences on weight status, necessitating an understanding of factors affecting their growth during critical periods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze weight changes in preschool children during the COVID-19 lockdown in western China.
  • To identify risk and protective factors associated with excessive weight gain in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective observational study was conducted across eight randomly selected kindergartens.
  • Data on weight, lifestyle, and parental factors were collected through online electronic questionnaires during the lockdown period.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of overweight and obesity was 7.6% and 14.7%, respectively. Children aged 3-4 years showed a higher incidence of obesity (26.3%).
  • Risk factors for excessive weight gain (≥1.0 kg) included higher pre-lockdown weight, higher paternal BMI, frequent fresh fruit consumption, and prolonged touch-screen device use.
  • Protective factors identified were larger living spaces (80-150 m²) and positive mental behavior during lockdown.

Conclusions:

  • A significant trend of excessive weight gain was observed in preschool children during the COVID-19 lockdown, particularly in those with higher pre-pandemic weight.
  • The pandemic-induced environment may exacerbate the childhood obesity epidemic, underscoring the need for timely preventive strategies.
  • Healthcare providers should prioritize monitoring and implementing interventions to mitigate the impact of such events on child weight management.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19body weightlifestylelockdownphysical activitypreschool children

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