Extreme obesity in children: the number of those affected is increasing

Created: 11/04/2022, 7:00 p.m

By: Anna Katharina Kusters

A new study by the commercial health insurance company in Hanover shows a frightening increase in obesity diseases in children.

The lockdown period caused by the coronavirus has been a mental and physical challenge for many people.

The health of children in particular suffered enormously during this time.

Another study confirms this.

Data from the commercial health insurance company in Hanover shows that the proportion of children who are extremely overweight and life-threatening has risen sharply in the past three years.

Extreme obesity in children: the number of those affected is increasing

More and more children are overweight.

(Iconic image) © YAY Images/Imago

It is by no means only mental illnesses that have spread among children and young people more than usual during the corona pandemic.

Many children and young people have also been struggling physically since the lockdown period.

This is shown particularly clearly by a new study based on figures from the commercial health insurance company in Hanover: Between 2019 and 2021, there was a 10.7 percent increase in obesity cases among 6 to 18 year olds.

For boys aged 15 to 18, the increase is even more dramatic at 18.7 percent.

There is a 12 percent increase among girls in the same age group.

Extreme obesity in children: numbers dramatic

The available numbers are to be classified as very drastic for various reasons, says Aileen Könitz, doctor and expert on psychiatric issues at the health insurance company, to the

.

On the one hand, health and eating habits in childhood are crucial for a healthy life in adulthood.

Being overweight at a young age is often associated with diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or increased joint wear and tear.

On the other hand, physical limitations such as being overweight are often accompanied by psychological problems.

This starts, among other things, with bullying at school, but does not end there.

Because if children cannot take part in certain activities for physical reasons, this excludes them from the community at least in part.

This can also promote depression and similar illnesses.

Extreme obesity in children: food industry under criticism

The food industry is also to blame for the trend outlined above, as Foodwatch

explained to the

Because the range of unhealthy, sugary and greasy sweets and other fast food is huge.

The problem with this is that the food industry markets its products via social media channels, among other things, and thus primarily reaches groups that are highly impressionable, such as children.

Foodwatch therefore recommends barriers for sweets advertising, a nutritional traffic light and taxes on sugary drinks.

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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.