A new report from WHO/Europe confirms what has long been suspected: a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and increased rates in obesity among children 7 to 9 years old, according to the official website of the organization.
The publication, titled ‘Report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the daily routine and behaviours of school-aged children: results from 17 Member States in the WHO European Region’, presents research showing that the pandemic led to more screen time and less physical activity, mirroring an increase in overweight children in the same age range.
The study found that during the pandemic:
Children’s health trends – key highlights
The study found that during the pandemic:
– 36% of children increased their time spent watching television, playing online games or using social media during the weekdays, and 34% increased their recreational screen time on weekends;
– 28% of children experienced a decrease in time spent in outdoor activities during weekdays, and 23% experienced a decre
ase on weekends;
– families reported an increase in consuming home-cooked meals (30%), eating together as a family (29%), buying food in bulk (28%) and cooking meals together with children (26%);
– 42% of children reported a decline in happiness and well-being;
– 1 in 5 children reported feeling sad more frequently; and
– 1 in 4 children also reported feeling lonely more frequently.
WHO/Europe conducted the research along with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nutrition and Childhood Obesity at the National Health Institute Dr Ricardo Jorge in Lisbon, Portugal. It took place in 17 of the Region’s 53 Member States from 2021 to 2023. More than 50, 000 children took part in the comprehensive survey.
The pandemic highlighted the urgency of tackling childhood obesity. Countries of the Region need to build back better by prioritizing healthy eating and physical activity for children across all stages of development. This requires comprehensive, multisectoral, mandatory legislation that protects children all th
e time and no matter what. WHO recommends such practices as marketing restrictions and taxes on unhealthy products, clear nutrition labels on foods, and school-based programmes to improve diets and promote physical activity.
Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency