Impact of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic in the body mass index of children assisted in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood overweight and obesity are a public health problem. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this pathology. The Body Mass Index z-score (BMI z-score) is an accepted indicator for the diagnosis and follow-up. Objectives: To evaluate whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and BMI z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased during the pandemic. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study. Patients assisted in public health facilities City of  Buenos Aires  (BA), aged 2 to 4 years, with weight and height records in two consultations, before and after the start of lockdown were included. Nutritional status (BMI z-score) and BMI z-score variation between both consultations were recorded. Results: 3866 subjects were evaluated, mean age 3.4±0.8 years; 48.1% female. The average interval between consultations was 14.3±2.5 months. The prevalence of overweight/obesity increased from 12.6% CI95% 11.6-13.6 to 20.9% CI95% 19.6-22.2; p<0.001, as did the BMI z-score (0.4±1.1 vs. 0.8±1.3; p<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity, and BMI z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased significantly during the pandemic.