The COVID-19 pandemic has left a deep imprint on society, affecting not just our physical health but also our daily lives, especially for children. While kids are experiencing fewer cases of the virus itself, the indirect effects are becoming a major worry for parents and health experts alike.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 13 million children and teens are currently struggling with their weight, and this number is on the rise. With lockdowns and school closures keeping children indoors, their eating, exercise, and sleep habits have taken a hit.
Spending more time snacking and glued to screens has made it easier for kids to gain weight, leading to potential long-term health risks. Joseph Workman, a sociologist at the University of Missouri focusing on educational inequality, shared his concerns with The Counter, saying, \"It's taking what's already considered a crisis of childhood obesity and making it worse.\"
Workman predicts that childhood obesity could rise by 4% if students remain out of school for five months. The lack of structure that comes with remote learning, combined with the closure of schools, has disrupted routines that once helped manage children's weight.
Millions of children across the U.S. rely on school-provided meals, and with schools closed, these essential nutritional supports are missing, exacerbating the problem. As we navigate the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, addressing childhood obesity has become more crucial than ever.
