Investigating the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Body Mass Index, and Health Status in an Inner-City, Low-Income Setting

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic required unprecedented containment measures, including prolonged stay-at-home orders, to combat spread and prevent loss of life. One of the consequences of these mandates was the closure of schools. Children in resource-limited communities already experiencing disparities were placed at a significant disadvantage by the closure of schools. Many depended on the school systems as their primary source of nutrient-rich food. Additionally, for many, schools provide the only safe place for outdoor play and physical activity. The unintended consequences of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders for these high-risk children are now being investigated. METHOD: This article reports a retrospective chart review of children aged 9–11 years in a low-income, inner-city practice in a moderately sized Southeastern city. Baseline data were obtainef fro 2019 and compared to 2020 and/or 2021. RESULTS: Findings indicate statistically significant increases in body mass index in this high-risk population of children. Additionally. chronic condistion associate with obesity were identified in many of the unhealthy weight children in the study. DISCUSSION: This study identifies unintended consequences form the pandemic containment measures that are consistent with other emerging research related to the pandemic's effects on body mass index in children.