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COVID-19

Changes in Body Mass Index in Children During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research published in JAMA Network Open has shed light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body mass index (BMI) in children. The study, conducted by researchers from Aarhus University Hospital and Steno Diabetes Centre Aarhus, analyzed data from Danish health care registries to examine changes in BMI in first- and sixth-grade children before, during, and after the pandemic. The results suggest that significant changes in BMI have occurred in children during the pandemic, with differences observed among children of varying ages and BMI classes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found significant changes in body mass index (BMI) in children during the COVID-19 pandemic, with increases in overweight and obesity prevalence.
  • Researchers observed differences in BMI changes among children of varying ages, with younger children experiencing greater increases in overweight and obesity prevalence.
  • The study also found differences in BMI changes among children in different BMI classes, with those in the normal weight category experiencing the greatest changes.
  • The researchers analyzed data from 137,294 children in first and sixth grade in Denmark before, during, and after the pandemic, using nationwide, population-based data from Danish health care registries.
  • The study used log-binomial regression to examine changes in age- and sex-adjusted BMI, with adjustments made for age and sex.
  • The researchers found that the prevalence of underweight decreased, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased among children during the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed data from 137,294 children in first and sixth grade in Denmark.
  • The prevalence of underweight decreased from 2.5% in 2019 to 1.8% in 2024.
  • The prevalence of overweight increased from 15.6% in 2019 to 17.5% in 2024.
  • The prevalence of obesity increased from 10.3% in 2019 to 12.6% in 2024.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Aarhus University Hospital Reports Findings in COVID-19 (Body Mass Index in Children Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic). Pediatrics Week. July 26, 2025; p 2.
  • Gribsholt SB, Jensen FK, Schwartz S, Andersen AL, Bruun JM. Body Mass Index in Children Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Network Open, 2025;8(7).

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