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Research shows that childhood obesity during pandemic could have lifelong effects
Tens of thousands of children who became overweight or obese during the pandemic "could face lifelong health challenges," researchers say.Obesity rates soar among UK children
Obesity rates among 10- and 11-year-olds have risen sharply in England and have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.Measures needed for children under 5 years of age
Researchers warn that action targeting children under five is needed to tackle childhood obesity.The government said it was taking “robust action” to encourage healthy eating.What Causes the Rise in Childhood Obesity During the Pandemic?
Long-term school closures, lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits have been blamed for the rise in obesity among children during the pandemic.Between 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, the rate of overweight and obesity among sixth-grade children aged 10 to 11 rose from 35.2% to 40.9%. People in low-income areas were particularly affected.Government's National Child Measurement Program
Researchers used BMI data provided by the UK government's National Child Measurement Programme. The program measures approximately one million sixth-grade students in the UK each year.Changes in number of obese children since pandemic
The numbers have since declined, but are still higher than before the coronavirus lockdown. This increase means an additional 56,000 children are affected.Obesity in childhood and health problems in adulthood
Based on existing data showing that childhood obesity leads to obesity in adolescence and adulthood, we concluded that many children are at increased risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and some types of cancer.“What the data shows is that the pandemic is likely to have a lasting impact on children’s physical health,” said Professor Keith Godfrey, lead author of the report.The devastating impact of the pandemic on children
Weight gain was greater among 4- and 5-year-old kindergarteners, but has now returned to previous levels.Professor Godfrey said this may be because kindergarteners have not reverted to more deeply entrenched eating and physical activity habits they developed during the pandemic.Measures against obesity in childhood
Researchers say measures against childhood obesity that target pre-school children are needed and would be more effective.“Current measures focus mainly on sugar taxes, which are somewhat effective, but wider engagement is needed.”New policies should include changing the placement of certain foods in stores, banning fast food outlets near schools, and prioritizing physical activity in kindergartens and pre-school settings.
Professor Godfrey said government funding was needed for these policies, which would help reduce the gap in health outcomes between wealthy and less wealthy people.
"People in less privileged communities have less access to healthy food and fewer opportunities to be physically active. This is not a matter of personal choice, parental preference or behavior," he said.
Sarah Stanner, scientific director at the British Nutrition Foundation, said childhood obesity rates were “worryingly high” even before the pandemic, and the study “highlights the need for action, especially in low-income areas”.
“Many children enter school already overweight, so early intervention is important.
“Tackling obesity will require action from many sectors of our society, but supporting childhood health must be a key part of any approach,” Mr Stanner said.The Department of Health and Social Care said it was working to tackle obesity across all socio-economic groups.A spokesperson said: “We are providing more information on packaged foods, requiring labeling to include ingredient lists and nutritional data, and have introduced legislation to limit the placement of foods high in fat, sugar or salt in supermarkets.” .Additionally, the government operates a 'Healthy Start' program that promotes healthy diets for low-income families.
cost to society
Using economic data, researchers concluded that the pandemic could ultimately cost the UK economy more than £8 billion as the number of obese people increases, of which £800 million would be health costs.“As the current epidemic of childhood obesity has not yet fully spilled over into adulthood, there are concerns that this increase could have a further detrimental impact on productivity,” Professor Godfrey said.
In England, more than 90% of children in two age groups are measured and weighed each year through the National Child Measurement Programme, which researchers say is representative of the population.
This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and Medical Research.
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