by Sahar Chmais
The COVID-19 pandemic may be feeding into childhood obesity, according to research by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Between 2018-2019, about 15.5% of American children, ages 10-17, were obese. In many cases, obesity is linked to socioeconomic status and families with low income, according to the study. The pandemic has hit low-income families and put millions of Americans out of work, making access to healthy food more difficult. But the other connection between obesity and COVID-19 the study made is that people with obesity have a higher risk of having severe COVID-19 symptoms or dying from the infection.
So what can parents do to keep themselves and their children safe during the pandemic?
Dr. Emily Fisher, a pediatrics and internal medicine doctor at Baylor Scott & White, shed some light on what families can do to avoid falling into the COVID-19 sedentary lifestyle.
In her practice, Fisher noticed some families concerned with their children’s weight, eating habits and overall inactivity. First thing’s first; Fisher stepped back and pointed out that children mimic their parents.
“This has been a rough year and a rough time,” Fisher told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “Kids often do what parents do and with the increased stress of COVID and being at home and not getting out to school, I think a lot of families are struggling with taking care of everybody. If parents with stress are not taking care of themselves as much, not eating as well or getting active, kids are struggling to do the same.”
Fisher’s approach is the same as the airplane conduct: a parent must wear the oxygen mask before putting the mask on their child.
This entails parents eating healthier in front of their kids and eating with their kids. When families eat together, they tend to eat less because they talk more. Eating together can also create stronger emotional bonds.
But nutrition is not the only issue children are facing. Many kids still attend online-school and sit in front of their computers for six hours plus, depending on learning ages and break times. During these breaks, Fisher emphasizes the importance of getting kids to move around and eating healthy foods and snacks. She also advises that kids get off their screens when school is over.
Not all families can participate in a daily physical activity routine, or sometimes the weather outside is not ideal for playtime—for that, Fisher has some advice.
Families can play on a Wii device together or put on movement videos on YouTube. If families cannot participate together, they should at least try to get their kids to do it.
“You don’t have to have a lot to stay active,” Fisher explained. “Families can be active by doing Wii, YouTube videos, putting on music and dancing at home. There are ways to stay active regardless of the weather or where you live.”
While there are some families struggling during this time to stay healthy, others found it easier to get into a better routine. Many people reduced eating out because of the pandemic, which has contributed to more nutritious at-home cooking. Still, Fisher said the pandemic has been rough on all families, even those who are finding their balance.
“I think everyone’s struggling with developing new routines and new habits and trying to stay healthy,” Fisher said. “And I think it’s important to reflect on everybody reflecting on how they’re doing. If they could do better, especially if they have small kids at home, to try to prioritize eating well and being active.”
