The COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound impact on society, affecting not only public health but also the daily lives of children worldwide. Health experts are increasingly concerned about the virus's indirect effects, particularly on childhood obesity rates.
Despite having fewer cases of COVID-19 among children, the pandemic's restrictions have disrupted life at home and school environments. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 13 million children and teens are currently struggling with their weight, and this number continues to climb.
With lockdowns and remote learning keeping children indoors, their eating, exercise, and sleep habits have taken a hit. Increased opportunities for snacking and prolonged periods in front of screens make it easier for children to gain weight, posing serious health risks.
\"It's taking what's already considered a crisis of childhood obesity and making it worse,\" said Joseph Workman, a sociologist at the University of Missouri specializing in educational inequality.
Workman predicts that childhood obesity rates could rise by 4% if students remain out of school for an additional five months. Experts attribute this worrying trend to the closure of schools, more time spent at home, and the lack of structure that remote learning provides.
Moreover, millions of children across the U.S. rely on school-provided meals. With schools closed or operating remotely, many children are losing access to these essential meals, further exacerbating the problem.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
