Influences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Obesity and Weight-Related Behaviors among Chinese Children: A Multi-Center Longitudinal Study

COVID-19-related lockdown measures have been affecting children’s weight status and weight-related behaviors, which are often associated with an increase in childhood obesity. However, large-scale longitudinal studies are lacking. Our study aimed to analyze changes in obesity and weight-related behaviors in Chinese children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide references for addressing the high prevalence of childhood obesity. A prospective multi-center longitudinal survey was conducted among Chinese children (n = 5963), collecting data on weight status, COVID-19-related measures, and lifestyle behaviors. Changes were assessed using t-tests and χ(2) tests for paired samples, or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, according to the type and distribution of data. The Generalized Estimating Equations model was used to explore influential factors of obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 9.2% and 8.6% before the pandemic to 10.5% and 10.6% during the pandemic (p < 0.001), respectively. Daily physical activity, sleep duration, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption decreased while screen time increased. The results of the generalized estimating equations showed that ethnic minority, older age, less daily physical activity, reduced sleep duration, and longer screen time were positively associated with obesity. There is an intensifying trend of obesity in children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to which altered weight-related behaviors might have contributed largely. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in social crises, should be highlighted to ease the burden of childhood obesity.