A community perspective of COVID-19 and obesity in children: Causes and consequences

Maido Tsenoli, Jane Elizabeth Moverley Smith, Moien AB Khan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The pandemic of childhood obesity that has been increasing over the last decade has collided with the current pandemic of COVID-19. Enforced behavioural changes have resulted in a myriad of problems for children particularly in weight management. Restricted activity is the most obvious but many other aspects of life have exacerbated biological, psychosocial, and behavioral factors identified as risks for childhood obesity. Significant effort is required to turn around the prevailing tide of weight gain necessitating changes in personal and family behavior and diet, as well as high-level governmental and educational policy. Evidence-based, focused, long-term interventions which are adequately funded are required. Enthusiasm and optimism for change coupled with public engagement by utilization of new technology as well as traditional methods offers hope for change. Public health interventions in isolation are inadequate and bolder changes to central policies and social structure are needed for sustained change. This will allow some mitigation of the affects of COVID-19 but also reduce negative outcomes in future comparable situations.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100327
JournalObesity Medicine
Volume22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Biopsychosocial model
  • COVID-19
  • Childhood obesity
  • Community interventions
  • Pandemic
  • Primary care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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