Pandemic May Lead to Increased Obesity Among Children!

The European Office of the World Health Organization has warned that the COVID-19 pandemic may have unintended consequences that could lead to increased obesity among children. A report issued by the WHO Regional Office published today, Tuesday, concludes that school closures during lockdowns may have negative effects on children's nutrition and physical activity, as they miss out on school lunches and extracurricular activities. Hans Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, stated, "COVID-19 can exacerbate one of the most concerning trends in the WHO European Region, which is the increase in childhood obesity." Kluge added that being overweight and obese are linked to life-threatening diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. To avoid negative impacts on children's futures, Kluge called for science-based policies to promote healthy diets and physical activity, such as taxes on sugary drinks, according to the report.