Obesity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impacts on Child Development

A Literature Review

Abstract

Obesity and COVID-19 are pandemics that negatively affect health and quality of life, and are considered health emergencies worldwide, causing high significant negative rates of disease, which can lead to hospitalization and death. Objective: To carry out a reflective analysis, through a bibliographic review, on childhood obesity, considering the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on child development. Methodology: The bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed database using the following algorithm: (SARS-CoV-2 OR COVID-19) AND (children OR child OR student OR teenager) AND (child obesity OR pediatric obesity). The selection of studies was restricted to the period 2019 to 2022. Of the 239 results, after the inclusion criteria, only 11 studies were selected. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to deviations in children's neurodevelopment, not only in the motor and coordination spheres, but also in the spheres of language, behavior and social interaction, even in children not infected with SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the introduction of sedentary behavior in children during the pandemic may have increased the risk of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCD). This scenario is reflected in notable changes in low physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered not only a health crisis, but also a significant impact on children's lifestyles, contributing to additional challenges related to childhood obesity. Understanding these effects is essential to guide effective public health strategies and interventions targeting this vulnerable population.

Keywords: Childhood obesity, Child development, COVID-19

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Author Biographies

Paulo Roberto Santos Lopes,

http://lattes.cnpq.br/2673240969501000

André Everton de Freitas,

http://lattes.cnpq.br/1077772198068368

Anelise Sonza,

http://lattes.cnpq.br/4241498640379243

Ana Inês Gonzáles,

http://lattes.cnpq.br/0577750602201073

Published
2024-04-03
How to Cite
Lopes, P. R. S., Freitas, A. E. de, Sonza, A., & Gonzáles, A. I. (2024). Obesity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impacts on Child Development: A Literature Review. Lecturas: Educación Física Y Deportes, 29(311), 170-181. https://doi.org/10.46642/efd.v29i311.3447
Section
Review Articles