Regional Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Childhood Obesity Prevalence, Denver, Colorado, 2019-2022.
Alarming rise in childhood obesity during COVID-19 in Denver, but rates stabilize over time. Vulnerable groups like school-aged, healthy-weight, and minority children hit hardest, highlighting need for local programs to promote healthy lifestyles.
This study analyzed electronic health records of 55,429 children aged 2-19 in metropolitan Denver from 2019-2022 to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BMI and obesity prevalence. The researchers found a nearly 70% higher rate of BMI gain during the early pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, but this attenuated over time. Obesity prevalence increased from 16% pre-pandemic to 21% by late 2020, remaining elevated at 20% in 2022. Certain subgroups, including school-aged, healthy-weight, and minority children, experienced the most pronounced BMI increases. The findings underscore the value of regional surveillance to inform local initiatives supporting children's health and nutrition during public health crises.