The following is a summary of “COVID-19 Pandemic and the Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in Turkiye,” published in the January 2023 issue of Gastroenterology and Nutrition by Salman, et al.
To compare the findings to other research done in 2005, 2009, and 2014, researchers for a study, sought to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-age children during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Body mass indices (BMI), BMI percentiles, and z scores were determined as part of the study conducted at Isparta’s city center schools in March 2022. Students’ weight and height were assessed using a scale and a stadiometer.
The mean age of the sample was 11.92 ± 3.42 (6–18.93) years, with 4,547 (51.3%) female students out of the 8,871 students evaluated. Obesity prevalence ranged from 14.5% to 26.5%, while overweight plus obesity was present in 12% of the population. While the prevalence of obesity and the prevalence of overweight + obesity were found to have increased, the prevalence of overweight was found to remain steady from 2005 (χ2: 57.01, P < 0.001). Girls under the age of 11 and girls over the age of 11 had an obesity prevalence of 13% and 14.3%, respectively; males under the age of 11 and those over 11 had an obesity prevalence of 18.2% and 12.8%, respectively (χ2: 23.26, P < 0.001). Boys under the age of 11 had a much greater prevalence of obesity.
In the three surveys done during the 17 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was essentially consistent, but the most recent research conducted during the pandemic showed a rise. Boys under the age of 11 had a much greater frequency of obesity.
Reference: journals.lww.com/jpgn/Abstract/2023/01000/The_COVID_19_Pandemic_and_the_Prevalence_of.16.aspx
