What is the impact of the Covid 19 health crisis on weight of young French people?

May 11, 2022
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Sébastien Bouley

In France, the maternal and child protection service, in charge at the departmental level of the organization of health check-ups in nursery schools for 4-year-old children, conducted a study to explore, over three school years (2018 -2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021), the evolution of the height and weight status of children and to estimate the impact of the health crisis due to SARS-CoV-2 in the Val-de-Marne district.

Based on data from the health check-ups in nursery, such as weight, height, gender, age, the priority zone or not in which the school was located, attendance at a canteen or daycare. The study showed that among the 48,119 children analyzed, the proportions of overweight and obese children were significantly higher in 2020-2021 compared to previous years:

  • from 2.8% in 2018 to 4.6% in 2021 (and 3.2% in 2019-2020) for the obese children;
  • from 8.6% in 2018 to 11.2% in 2021 (and 8.9% in 2019-2020) for the overweight children.

In addition, the study highlighted risk factors related to overweight and obesity:

  • female sex
  • and school membership of a priority or reinforced priority education network.

On the contrary, attendance at a day-care center or the school canteen would constitute a protective factor against overweight and obesity.

Overall, these data show that the increase in the height and weight status of children in the middle section of kindergarten is significant following the health crisis. The measures taken have increased sedentary lifestyles and deteriorated diets with a significant impact on children. Particular care should be taken in socially disadvantaged areas and among girls.

To know more about the study, you can consult the article.

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