CDC: Childhood Obesity Soared During Pandemic

Another negative consequence of the coronavirus pandemic was a sharp increase in childhood obesity, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Examining 432,302 adolescents aged 2-19, the CDC determined that children had doubled their Body Mass Index (BMI) since the start of the pandemic, during which they were subjected to lockdowns and social isolation.

“The COVID-19 pandemic led to school closures, disrupted routines, increased stress, and less opportunity for physical activity and proper nutrition, leading to weight gain among children and adolescents,” the CDC accurately noted.

“Among a cohort of 432,302 persons aged 2–19 years, the rate of body mass index (BMI) increase approximately doubled during the pandemic compared to a prepandemic period,” the agency added.

Children already suffering from obesity prior to the pandemic reportedly “experienced the largest increases” in weight gain. Between the months of March and November of 2020, for instance, the CDC discovered that persons with “moderate or severe obesity gained on average 1.0 and 1.2 pounds per month,” resulting in a 6.1 to 7.3-pound increase over a period of six months. Children with healthier BMIs saw a 2.7-pound increase over the same period of time.” – READ MORE