The Effects of the Pandemic on Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is among the leading global health problems in children under five years of age. Obesity, which is caused by genetic factors, inactive lifestyle, negative eating behaviors, endocrine disorders and malnutrition, has become a health problem with the growing risk given the conditions in the pandemic process. As a result of protective restrictions, such as mandatory shut down schools and lockdowns during the pandemic, children's time spent at home has increased, leading to a decrease in physical activity and changes in diet and sleep patterns. All these factors increase the risk of obesity in children. In addition, this situation has highlighted potential health problems for obese children. Childhood obesity is an important problem that needs to be addressed in the pandemic process, and appropriate approaches need to be developed and awareness of both parents and children need to be raised about this issue. During the pandemic process, some technological methods have been used for disease management in individuals with chronic diseases. One of the technological methods, the "Telehealth Solution", is one of the methods recommended for weight management of voluntarily children with obesity. In this article, obesity risks of children during the pandemic period were presented together with some appropriate solutions.