A new study finds obesity in kids 2 to 19 years of age increased significantly between 2011 and 2023, and the COVID-19 pandemic was not a main driver.
Childhood obesity rates continue to soar in the U.S.
A new study finds obesity in children and teens increased significantly between 2011 and 2023. And researchers say the COVID-19 pandemic had little impact on the continued rise.
The researchers reviewed data from more than 17,500 children and teens who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
They calculated the overall prevalence of obesity and severe obesity in all age groups — and then looked at rates by age and race or ethnicity
Overall, the obesity rate in kids 2 to 19 years of age increased from 20.3% in January 2011 to 22% by August 2023. By the end of the study, obesity rates were highest among Black, Mexican-American and other Hispanic youth.
Although the COVID pandemic created conditions that could lead to obesity—including:
· fewer safe places to exercise
· increased food insecurity
· and more financial stress at home
the researchers found no unusual spike in obesity during the pandemic after adjusting for trends that began before COVID-19.
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, American College of Physicians (ACP)
Author Affiliation: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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