Pandemic-induced childhood obesity could have lifelong health consequences, warn researchers
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the health and well-being of children, with tens of thousands of them becoming overweight or obese during this period. Researchers are now warning that these children could face lifelong health consequences as a result. Obesity rates among 10- and 11-year-olds in England rose sharply during the pandemic and have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Measures aimed at children under five are now needed to tackle childhood obesity, according to the researchers.
The rise in childhood obesity can be attributed to a prolonged absence from school, a lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits during periods of COVID-19 restrictions. Between 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, the proportion of overweight and obese Year 6 primary school children in England increased from 35.2% to 40.9%. Children from deprived areas were disproportionately affected by this increase.
The researchers used BMI data from the government’s National Child Measurement Programme, which annually weighs and measures approximately one million Year 6 pupils in England. Although the number of overweight and obese pupils decreased the following year, it remained higher than before the COVID-19 lockdowns. This increase represents an additional 56,000 children who are now at greater risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, strokes, arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
Professor Keith Godfrey, the lead author of the report, emphasized the lasting effects of the pandemic on children’s physical health. He explained that the more advanced developmental stage of Year 6 pupils contributed to their weight gain being more embedded and not reverting back to pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, weight gain among Reception pupils aged four and five has now reverted to its previous level.
The researchers argue that early intervention is crucial in tackling childhood obesity. They recommend measures aimed at pre-school children, which they believe will be more effective than measures focused on older children. These measures include changes to food placements in shops, a ban on fast food stores near schools, and increased priority of physical activity in nurseries and pre-schools. Professor Godfrey also stressed the need for government funding to address the gap in health outcomes between advantaged and disadvantaged communities.
Sara Stanner, science director at the British Nutrition Foundation, echoed the need for action, particularly in areas of deprivation. She emphasized the importance of intervening in early life, as many children are already overweight when they start school. Tackling obesity requires action across various sectors of society, but prioritizing children’s health in the early years is essential.
The Department for Health and Social Care stated that it is committed to addressing obesity across all socio-economic groups. They have implemented measures such as mandatory labeling on pre-packaged foods and restrictions on the placement of unhealthy foods in supermarkets. The department also runs the Healthy Start scheme, which promotes healthy diets for families from lower-income households.
In addition to the health implications, the researchers also analyzed the economic impact of pandemic-induced obesity. They estimated that the additional people living with obesity as a result of the pandemic could cost the UK economy over £8 billion, including £800 million in healthcare costs. Professor Godfrey expressed concerns that this rise in obesity could worsen productivity in the long run.
The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address childhood obesity. With childhood obesity rates already worryingly high before the pandemic, it is clear that immediate action is required to protect the health and well-being of children and mitigate the long-term consequences of this crisis.
