ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 restriction measurements have enhanced the obesity status in the pediatric population which might further contribute to obesity related glucose-insulin metabolism alterations. Therefore, we retrospectively compared anthropometric and OGTT data on obese children during the 13 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Subjects/Methods: Data from 741 obese/overweight children were retrieved and clustered into 7 groups starting from year 2008- 2009 until 2020-2021. Differences in anthropometric measurements and glucose/insulin metabolism were evaluated between the different groups. Result(s): Overweight/obese children in the COVID-19 restriction group did not present increased values of SDS-Body Mass Index (BMI). Significantly higher values for Waist Circumference (WC), SDS-WC, Waist/Height ratio (WHtR) and body mass fat were detected in these children (all P<0.01). Fasting glycaemia, glucose and insulin excursions during OGTT were significantly higher compared to pre-pandemic children (all P<0.01). Fasting and post-load insulin resistance indexes were higher while insulin secretion was lower (all P<0.01) during OGTT determining a significantly higher percentage of impaired glucose tolerance in the COVID-19 restriction group (P<0.002). Furthermore, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly lower (P<0.01) and SDS for systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were significantly higher (P=0.03 and P=0.02, respectively). Conclusion(s): COVID-19 restriction measurements determined profound alterations in glucose and insulin metabolism in obese/overweight children. Urgent strategies are needed in order to reverse COVID-19 restriction measures effects on glucose and insulin metabolism.
ABSTRACT
The adverse effects of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are not limited to the related infectious disease. In children and adolescents, serious risks due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are also related to its indirect effects. These include an unbalanced diet with an increased risk of weight excess or nutritional deficiencies, increased sedentary lifestyle, lack of schooling, social isolation, and impaired mental health.Pediatricians should be aware of the side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's diet, physical mental health and advise the families according to their nutritional needs and financial resources. Moreover, the lack of a targeted therapy able to offer protection against the deleterious effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection should require a greater effort by scientific societies to find a more effective prevention strategy. In this context, much interest should be given to nutritional support, able to contrast malnutrition and to stimulate the immune system.