During the pandemic, sharp increases in BMI rates have been observed in children aged 2-19, according to research published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Investigators compared longitudinal trends in BMI among 432,302 children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 1, 2018-February 29, 2020 and March 1, 2020-November 30, 2020). They observed an approximate doubling in the rate of BMI increase between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, from 0.052 to 0.100 kg/m2/ month (ratio, 1.93). Compared with those with healthy weight, those aged 2-19 with overweight or obesity during the pre-pandemic period experienced significantly higher rates of BMI increase during the pandemic.
Sharp Increase in BMI Rates Noted for Children During Pandemic
