Washington [US]Oct 7 (ANI): A study that examined body mass index (BMI) primarily in young Medicaid patients in Norfolk, Virginia, two years before and one year after the pandemic began and discovered a significant increase in BMI during that period .
When these differences were analyzed by gender, the increase was significant only for the female group, according to the study, “Examining the Effects of COVID-19 Lifestyle on Pediatric BMI.” The study found that girls’ BMI increased by an average of 11%.
The authors also observed that there was a significant association between increased screen time and family time during the pandemic and rising pediatric BMI, as families spent more time at home due to the lockdown.
Data were collected from 238 patients (51% female-identifying, 49% male-identifying, and majority African-American/Black) with a mean age of 9.47 for females and 9.57 for males. Pediatric patients and their parents/guardians were given a questionnaire that examined six potential sources for lifestyle changes that may affect BMI, including fast food intake, time spent with electronic devices and the activity level of the children.
One of the senior authors of this study and the Division Director of General Academic Pediatrics at The King’s Daughters’ Children’s Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. John Harrington said the study shows how hard the lockdown was on families because parents were worried about their children. Being outside and around others, children missed physical education classes and team sports at school, spending more time scrolling through social media and playing video games.
“This study reinforces that the health of all communities was negatively impacted by the pandemic, particularly from low-income and predominantly African-American communities,” he said.
The authors note that this study provides an additional understanding of the factors that negatively affect BMI in children. By determining the factors most commonly associated with increased BMI, this study may allow health care providers to develop ways to guide their patients toward healthier lifestyle choices in an increasingly technological world, the authors note. . The authors point out that even more resources are needed in communities with high poverty rates, lack of access to green spaces and few options to buy healthful products. (ANI)
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