September 2022
The Connection Between COVID-19 and Childhood Obesity
According to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the overweight and obesity rate in children and teenagers has increased at an alarming rate since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In the CDC study of 432,302 children ages 2 to 19 years, the rate of body mass index (BMI) increase nearly doubled during the pandemic compared to a pre-pandemic period.1
School closures, disrupted routines, more screen time, increased stress and less opportunity for physical activity and proper nutrition all played a role in this unfortunate upturn.1
During September, our Wellness Can't Wait campaign is spotlighting National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. In 2017–2018, obesity affected 19.3% of children between the ages of 2 and 19, amounting to about 14.4 million children and adolescents. Based on the study’s results, obesity now affects 22%, and there were notable racial and ethnic differences in rates of obesity as well: 25.6% among Hispanic children, 24.2% among non-Hispanic Black children, 16.1% among non-Hispanic White children, and 8.7% among non-Hispanic Asian children.1
Children with obesity are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, muscle and joint problems, and fatty liver disease. They may also have worse outcomes from COVID-19.1 People under 18 years old with obesity had a 3.1 times higher risk of hospitalization and a 1.4 times higher risk of severe illness when hospitalized.1
Free Vaccine Clinics in the Community
You may want to let your patients know that we’re hosting a series of free family vaccination clinics at our Blue Door Neighborhood CenterSM (BDNCSM) locations. These clinics are organized by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and offer COVID-19 immunizations for children 6 months and older. The clinics will continue to offer these immunizations through October 2022. Your patients can call 773-253-0900 or check the calendars at BDNC at Morgan Park, BDNC at Pullman and BDNC at South Lawndale for details, dates and registration.
1CDC, Children, Obesity, and COVID-19, June 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/children-obesity-COVID-19.html
The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to third party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organizations. Any questions regarding those organizations should be addressed to them directly. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.