May 1, 2020

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Lifestyle Behaviors in Children with Obesity Living in Verona, Italy: A Longitudinal Study

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• Pietrobelli et al. examined whether youth who are classified as obese display unfavorable trends in lifestyle behavior when removed from structured school activities and confined at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found significantly increased intake of potato chips, red meat, and sugary drinks. Time spent in sports activities decreased by 2.30 hours/week. Sleep time and screen time increased by 0.65 and 4.85 hours/day, respectively. 
• These effects of lockdowns may have a lasting impact on a child’s or adolescent’s adult obesity level.

Pietrobelli et al. (May 1, 2020). Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Lifestyle Behaviors in Children with Obesity Living in Verona, Italy: A Longitudinal Study. Obesity. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22861