Children warn that the prolonged disruption of the coronavirus pandemic in school, sports and other activities leads to weight gain that can affect the health of children for a long time.
Students snack more and exercise less, and nutritionists and doctors studying obesity are concerned that the pandemic poses a greater risk for type two diabetes and asthma, among other health problems.
“We see a lot of elementary school kids picking up 20 to 30 pounds a year,” said Hai Cao, a pediatrician and owner of South Slope Pediatrics in Brooklyn, NY.
Brittany Wilson, a medical assistant at Island Kids Pediatrics in Staten Island, NY, said the pandemic apparently accelerated weight gain in patients who were already overweight. Children from 6 to 12 years seem to earn the most.
“Even children in grammar get depressed,” she said. Wilson said. “They miss their friends. Many of them do not do so well academically. With depression also comes weight gain. They are bored, and I think they are comforted. ”