Top 5 Takeaways

1. Increased BMI Rates: The rate of BMI increase nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the prepandemic period.
2. Higher Impact on Overweight and Obese: Persons aged 2–19 years with overweight or obesity experienced significantly higher rates of BMI increase during the pandemic.
3. Age-Specific Trends: Children aged 6–11 years experienced the largest increase in BMI rates during the pandemic.
4. Geographically Diverse Data: The study used data from a geographically diverse cohort of 432,302 persons aged 2–19 years.
5. Need for Prevention Efforts: The findings highlight the importance of obesity prevention and management efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Samantha J. Lange, nya7@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Lange SJ, Kompaniyets L, Freedman DS, et al. Longitudinal Trends in Body Mass Index Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Persons Aged 2–19 Years — United States, 2018–2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1278–1283. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7037a3

Summary

The study analyzed longitudinal trends in BMI among 432,302 persons aged 2–19 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that the rate of BMI increase nearly doubled during the pandemic, with significant increases observed among those with overweight or obesity. The data underscore the importance of obesity prevention and management efforts during and following the pandemic.

Methods

Data were obtained from IQVIA’s Ambulatory Electronic Medical Records database, which includes deidentified information from outpatient encounters. BMI was calculated from height and weight measurements and categorized based on CDC BMI-for-age percentiles. The study used linear mixed-effects regression models to examine differences in the average monthly rate of change in BMI before and during the pandemic, accounting for various factors such as sex, age, race, ethnicity, and initial BMI category.

Discussion

The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated BMI increases among children and adolescents, particularly those with overweight or obesity. The study highlights the need for comprehensive screening and counseling by pediatricians to address obesity-related risk factors and the importance of providing children with opportunities for proper nutrition and physical activity as venues reopen.

Conclusion

The study concludes that sharp increases in BMI rates during the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the need for obesity prevention and management efforts. These efforts should include increased access to pediatric weight management programs, food assistance resources, and initiatives to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

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