Changes in Lifestyle and Body Weight in Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Representative Survey of Parents in Germany.

INTRODUCTION: The public restrictions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic have substantially affected lifestyle and health behavior of children and adolescents. In Germany, little is known how these changes influenced daily life in families with children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed in April/May 2022 across Germany, similar to a survey performed in 2020. Parents (N = 1,004, 20-65 years) with at least one child aged 3-17 years filled in an online questionnaire released by the Forsa Institute for Social Research and Statistical Analysis. Fifteen questions related to eating habits, dietary patterns, physical activity, media consumption, fitness, mental health, and body weight were included, and standard socioeconomic parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Parents' answers indicated that there was a parental self-reported weight gain in every sixth child since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was most obvious in children from families with lower household income and preexisting overweight. Parents also reported that lifestyle patterns had worsened: 70% reported an increase of media consumption during leisure time, 44% a decrease in daily physical activity, and 16% the worsening of dietary habits (e.g., 27% stated to eat more cake and sweets). Children aged 10-12 years were most severely affected. CONCLUSION: Negative health effects related to the COVID-19 pandemic are predominantly observed in children 10-12 years of age and in children from families with low household income, suggesting a worsening social disparity. Political action is urgently needed to tackle the adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood lifestyle and health.

Effectiveness of multicomponent lifestyle intervention programs on adiposity indicators in schoolchildren from vulnerable groups: a review article.

Introduction: Vulnerable groups are those who, due to their age, sex, race/ethnicity, health status, income level, etc., are at higher risk of poor health. Vulnerable school populations are distinguished by having predisposing factors to overweight and obesity, which results in a greater risk of suffering from the disease and its ravages. Additionally, the effects of the COVID-19 contingency can worsen the situation. Previous reviews of prevention, treatment and control of the disease have focused on schoolchildren from high- and middle-income countries. The objective of this review was to gather the evidence from the studies that evaluate the effectiveness of multicomponent lifestyle intervention programs (MLIP) on adiposity indicators in vulnerable populations. Five electronic databases were searched: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. The eligibility criteria were schoolchildren (5 to 12 years old), inhabitants of rural area, with low socioeconomic level and/or belonging to an indigenous community. Randomized and quasi-experimental controlled trials were included. Interventions that included two or more of the following components were considered: physical activity, nutrition, psychology, school meals and/or family/community involvement. Of the 11 interventions included 73 % had significant improvements in at least one variable related to adiposity. The most successful interventions had components of nutrition, physical activity and family/community involvement, the majority (80 %) had a duration of ≥ 6 months and were provided, in 80 % of the cases, by previously trained teachers. In conclusion, there is evidence that MLIPs are effective in improving indicators of adiposity in vulnerable schoolchildren.

Introducción: Los grupos vulnerables son aquellos que, debido a sus condiciones de edad, sexo, raza/etnia, estado de salud, ingresos, etc., tienen un riesgo mayor de presentar una salud deficiente. Las poblaciones escolares vulnerables se distinguen por tener factores predisponentes de sobrepeso y obesidad, lo que redunda en mayor riesgo de padecer la enfermedad y sus complicaciones. Adicionalmente, los efectos de la contingencia por COVID-19 podrían agravar la situación. Revisiones previas sonre la prevención, tratamiento y control de la enfermedad se han enfocado en escolares de países de altos y medianos ingresos. Esta revisión tuvo como objetivo reunir la evidencia que evalúa la efectividad de los programas multicomponentes de intervención de estilo de vida (PMIEV) sobre los indicadores de adiposidad en poblaciones vulnerables. Se exploraron cinco bases de datos electrónicas: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE y Google Scholar. Los criterios de elegibilidad fueron escolares (5-12 años), habitantes rurales, con bajo nivel socioeconómico y/o pertenecientes a comunidades indígenas. Se incluyeron ensayos controlados aleatorizados y cuasi-experimentales. Se consideraron intervenciones con dos o más de los siguientes componentes: actividad física, nutrición, psicología, comidas escolares y/o participación familiar/comunitaria. De las 11 intervenciones incluidas, el 73 % obtuvieron mejoras en al menos una variable relacionada con la adiposidad. Las intervenciones más exitosas incluyeron componentes de nutrición, actividad física y participación familiar/comunitaria, la mayoría (80 %) tuvo una duración ≥ 6 meses y las llevaron a cabo en un 80 % de los casos profesores entrenados. En conclusión, la evidencia indica que los PMIEV son efectivos para mejorar los indicadores de adiposidad en los escolares vulnerables.

Protecting individuals living with overweight and obesity: Attitudes and concerns toward COVID-19 vaccination in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and the degree of fear of COVID-19 among those living with obesity. METHODS: Two samples were recruited for an online survey: one sample was a representative sample of Canadians living with overweight and obesity (n = 1,089), and the second was a convenience sample of individuals recruited from obesity clinical services or patient organizations (n = 980). Respondents completed ratings of their comfort receiving a COVID-19 vaccination along with the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. RESULTS: Approximately one-third of respondents, regardless of sample or weight category, were not comfortable receiving a vaccination, and one-half expressed moderate or greater perceived risks of vaccination. Confidence in vaccinations was extremely low, especially for those in the clinical sample. Fear of COVID-19 was substantial and predicted attitudes toward vaccination. Females were less comfortable receiving the vaccine and perceived more risks than males. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest those living with obesity are highly ambivalent about COVID-19 vaccination. Despite their being at high risk, their confidence in vaccines is very low. Results suggest the need for patient-centered counseling, with a focus on shared decision-making to strengthen confidence and reduce perceived risk.

[Perception of loneliness, happiness, and health, and quality of diet. The moderator role of weight status]. / Percepción de soledad, felicidad y salud, y calidad de la dieta. El rol moderador del estado ponderal.

INTRODUCTION: Aim: to determine the relationship between perceived loneliness, happiness, and health, and quality of diet, observing the moderator role of weight status in elementary school children during the state of alarm decreed for COVID-19. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study in a sample of 116 Spanish schoolchildren. The perception of loneliness, happiness, and health was assessed using three items of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children questionnaire. The quality of their Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index quetsionnaire for children and adolescents. Anthropometric variables were collected through a self-reported questionnaire, and for the calculation of body mass index the Quetelet index (kg/m2) was used. Results: the descriptive analysis showed no differences in the perception of loneliness, happiness, or health, quality of diet, or anthropometric variables (p > 0.005), except for weight (p < 0.005), according to sex. The inferential analysis showed that higher values in quality of diet are correlated with higher scores in perceived happiness and health (p < 0.005). In turn, the linear regression test showed an association between quality of diet and perception of happiness after the model was adjusted for normal weight (R2 = 0.382; p < 0.005). Likewise, it showed a significant association between quality of diet and perception of health after the model was adjusted for overweight schoolchildren (R2 = 0.455; p < 0.005). Conclusion: the association between perceived health and happiness with quality of diet seems to be moderated by weight status.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: determinar la relación existente entre la percepción de soledad, felicidad y salud, y la calidad de la dieta, observando el rol moderador del estado ponderal en escolares de primaria durante el estado de alarma decretado por la COVID-19. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal de una muestra de 116 escolares españoles. Las percepciones de soledad, felicidad y salud se valoraron mediante tres ítems del cuestionario Health Behavior in School-aged Children. La calidad de la dieta mediterránea se valoró a través del cuestionario Índice de calidad de la dieta mediterránea en niños y adolescentes. Las variables antropométricas se recogieron a través de un cuestionario autoinformado y para el cálculo del índice de masa corporal se empleó el índice de Quetelet (kg/m2). Resultados: el análisis descriptivo no mostró diferencias en la percepción de soledad, felicidad y salud, la calidad de la dieta, y las variables antropométricas (p > 0,005), a excepción del peso (p < 0,005), según el sexo. El análisis inferencial mostró que los valores más elevados en la calidad de la dieta se correlacionan con valores más altos en la percepción de felicidad y de salud (p < 0,005). Por su parte, la prueba de la regresión lineal mostró asociación entre la calidad de la dieta y la percepción de felicidad tras ajustarse el modelo al normopeso (R2 = 0,382; p < 0,005). Asimismo, mostró una asociación significativa entre la calidad de la dieta y la percepción de salud tras ajustarse el modelo a los escolares con sobrepeso (R2 = 0,455; p < 0,005). Conclusión: la asociación entre la percepción de salud y de felicidad con la calidad de la dieta parece estar moderada por el estado del peso.

Eating behavior and food purchases during the COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study among adults in the Netherlands.

On March 15, 2020, the Dutch Government implemented COVID-19 lockdown measures. Although self-quarantine and social-distancing measures were implemented, restrictions were less severe compared to several other countries. The aim of this study was to assess changes in eating behavior and food purchases among a representative adult sample in the Netherlands (n = 1030), five weeks into lockdown. The results show that most participants did not change their eating behaviors (83.0%) or food purchases (73.3%). However, socio-demographic differences were observed among those that reported changes during lockdown. For example, participants with overweight (OR = 2.26, 95%CI = 1.24-4.11) and obesity (OR = 4.21, 95%CI = 2.13-8.32) were more likely to indicate to eat unhealthier during lockdown compared to participants with a healthy weight. Those with a high educational level (OR = 2.25, 95%-CI = 1.03-4.93) were also more likely to indicate to eat unhealthier during lockdown compared to those with a low educational level. Older participants were more likely to indicate to experience no differences in their eating behaviors compared to those of younger age, who were more likely to indicate that they ate healthier (OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1.01-1.04) as well as unhealthier (OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 1.02-1.06) during lockdown. Participants with obesity were more likely to indicate to purchase more chips/snacks (OR = 2.79, 95%CI = 1.43-5.45) and more nonalcoholic beverages (OR = 2.74, 95%CI = 1.36-5.50) during lockdown in comparison with those with a healthy weight. Of those that used meal delivery services before, 174 (29.5%) indicated to use meal delivery services more frequently during lockdown. Although the results confirm the persistence of dietary routines, profound socio-demographic differences were observed for those that did report changes. Especially for individuals with overweight and obesity, the lockdown has taken its toll on healthy dietary choices. Further research should unravel underlying mechanisms for these observations.

Psychological distress and internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight during the COVID-19 outbreak.

OBJECTIVE: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and its resulting social policy changes may result in psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight. This study thus aimed to (1) compare psychological distress (including fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, and depression), perceived weight stigma, and problematic internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight; (2) assess whether perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors explained psychological distress. METHODS: Schoolchildren (n = 1357; mean age = 10.7 years) with overweight (n = 236) and without overweight (n = 1121) completed an online survey assessing their fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, depression, perceived weight stigma, problematic smartphone application use, problematic social media use, and problematic gaming. RESULTS: Schoolchildren with overweight had significantly higher levels of COVID-19 infection fear, stress, depression, perceived weight stigma, and problematic social media use than those without overweight. Regression models showed that perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors were significant predictors of psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight. CONCLUSION: Strategies to manage perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors may have a positive influence on mental health among schoolchildren with overweight under health-threatening circumstances, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Parental misperception of their child's weight status and how weight underestimation is associated with childhood obesity.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a major public health concern worldwide. This study aims to investigate the accuracy of parental perception of child's weight and related factors as well as how underestimation is associated with the prevalence of childhood obesity. METHODS: Data from 793 parents and respective children (6-10 years) were collected during the spring of 2013 and 2014. Height and weight were measured and used to calculate body mass index and obesity was classified using the International Obesity Task Force. Parents' perception of child's weight and socio-demographic characteristics were accessed by a questionnaire. Statistical tests were used, controlling for biological and social covariates. RESULTS: About 33% of parents misperceived their child's weight, of which 93% underestimated it. Different factors were found associated with greater parental underestimation according to children's weight status (ie, younger age) and sex (ie, higher mother's BMI, lower parental education, and household income for girls; living in an urban place for boys). Underestimation among girls, compared to boys, was more associated with socio-economic features of the family. For both sexes, children with excess weight were more likely to be underestimated by their parents. Parents who underestimated their child's weight were 10 to 20 times more likely to have an obese child. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest a social desirability bias in parental reports of child weight status. While some parents recognize their child's weight, others may feel embarrassed to discuss the fact that their child is overweight/obese and may feel reluctant in seeking the advice of a health care professional.

The same storm but not the same boat: Effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home order on mental health in individuals with overweight.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effects of stay-at-home orders and social distancing during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak on mental health and to compare these outcomes between individuals with normal weight and overweight. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1857 Brazilian adults, who were invited through social media to answer an online questionnaire from 5 May 2020 to 17 May 2020. The instrument included questions related to health behaviour, mental health (anxiety, depression, self-esteem, sadness and stress) and overall health. Overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 Kg/m2 . Multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify whether overweight is associated with mental health variables. RESULTS: Women reported increased anxiety (36.5% vs 22.2%, P < .01), depression (16.2% vs 8.8%, P < .01), low self-esteem (19.8% vs 10.6%, P < .01), sadness (17.7% vs 10.2%, P < .01), and stress (29.5% vs 19.3%, P < .01) relative to men. Women with overweight are more likely to report higher feeling of anxiety (OR 1.62, CI 95% 1.22-2.14), depression (OR 1.79, CI 95% 1.25-2.55), low self-esteem (OR 1.82, CI95% 1.28-2.58) and sadness (OR 1.51, CI 95% 1.08-2.10), adjusted for age, social isolation days, educational level, chronic diseases, smoke, alcohol intake and physical activity. CONCLUSION: Women, specially those with overweight are more vulnerable to the deleterious effects of stay-at-home orders on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Weight Gain in a Sample of Patients Affected by Overweight/Obesity with and without a Psychiatric Diagnosis during the Covid-19 Lockdown.

The present study aimed at identifying psychological and psychosocial variables that might predict weight gain during the COVID-19 lockdown in patients affected by overweight/obesity with and without a psychiatric diagnosis. An online survey was administered between 25 April and 10 May 2020, to investigate participants' changes in dietary habits during the lockdown period. 110 participants were recruited and allocated to two groups, 63 patients had no psychiatric diagnosis; there were 47 patients with psychiatric diagnosis. ANOVA analyses compared the groups with respect to psychological distress levels, risk perception, social support, emotion regulation, and eating behaviors. For each group, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted, including the factors that were found to significantly differ between groups. Weight gain during lockdown was reported by 31 of the participants affected by overweight/obesity without a psychiatric diagnosis and by 31 patients with a psychiatric diagnosis. Weight gain predictors were stress and low depression for patients without a psychiatric diagnosis and binge eating behaviors for patients with a psychiatric diagnosis. Of patients without a psychiatric diagnosis, 60% reported much more frequent night eating episodes. The risk of night eating syndrome in persons affected by overweight/obesity with no psychiatric diagnosis should be further investigated to inform the development of tailored medical, psychological, and psychosocial interventions.

The Impact of COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Orders on Health Behaviors in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: Stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have forced abrupt changes to daily routines. This study assessed lifestyle changes across different BMI classifications in response to the global pandemic. METHODS: The online survey targeting adults was distributed in April 2020 and collected information on dietary behaviors, physical activity, and mental health. All questions were presented as "before" and "since" the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In total, 7,753 participants were included; 32.2% of the sample were individuals with normal weight, 32.1% had overweight, and 34.0% had obesity. During the pandemic, overall scores for healthy eating increased (P < 0.001), owing to less eating out and increased cooking (P < 0.001). Sedentary leisure behaviors increased, while time spent in physical activity (absolute time and intensity adjusted) declined (P < 0.001). Anxiety scores increased 8.78 ± 0.21 during the pandemic, and the magnitude of increase was significantly greater in people with obesity (P ≤ 0.01). Weight gain was reported in 27.5% of the total sample compared with 33.4% in participants with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has produced significant health effects, well beyond the virus itself. Government mandates together with fear of contracting the virus have significantly impacted lifestyle behaviors alongside declines in mental health. These deleterious impacts have disproportionally affected individuals with obesity.