Changes in body mass index-z scores in 3-year-old children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 2-year retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: Given how dramatically the pandemic has affected food systems, the economy, and the daily lives of children over the past 2 years, the potential impact of the pandemic on childhood obesity requires careful investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in body mass index z-score in 3-year-old children and the inducing factors during the pandemic period. METHODS: The body mass index z-scores of all children participating in the study were calculated at the beginning of the pandemic (3-year-old body mass index z-score) and in its second year (5-year-old body mass index z-score). RESULTS: This study, conducted during the 2-year pandemic period, found a strong association between the body mass index z-scores of children aged 3 and 5 years. The mean body mass index z-score increased between these time points for both boys and girls (p=0.013; p=0.034). In two different linear regression models created for the change in body mass index z score, gestational weight gain was found to be related. The regression coefficients (95% confidence intervals) and corresponding p-values were 0.580 (0.217–0.944) and p=0.002 for model 1, whereas they were 0.585 (0.217–0.961) and p=0.002 for model 2. CONCLUSION: This study showed an increase in body mass index z-scores in early childhood period during the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent this increase, new strategies should be developed by considering the changes brought by the pandemic period.