CDC study finds childhood obesity increased at ‘substantial and alarming’ levels during COVID pandemic

Child obesity levels in the U.S. increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among children who were already obese from the outset, according to the findings of a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC’s Dr. Alyson Goodman, who contributed to the report, said the results signal a “profound increase in weight gain for kids” and are “substantial and alarming.”

The study, released Thursday, is the largest yet to look at obesity trends during the pandemic. Among its chief findings was that roughly 22% of children and teens were obese last August – up from 19% a year earlier.

The study also found that children who were gaining a healthy average of 3.4 pounds a year, gained about 5.4 pounds during the pandemic.

New @CDCMMWR looking at BMI among children and teens suggests many gained weight faster during the pandemic, especially those with overweight and obesity. This shows importance of obesity prevention efforts for children during & after #COVID19. Read more: https://t.co/8CDE0qOf9r. pic.twitter.com/TwkmLLVlMJ

— CDC (@CDCgov) September 16, 2021

For kids who were moderately obese, expected weight gain rose from 6.5 pounds a year before the pandemic to 12 pounds after the pandemic began. For severely obese kids, expected annual weight gain went from 8.8 pounds to 14.6 pounds, according to the study’s findings.- READ MORE