Under the new crown epidemic, schools have been closed for nearly 450 days, disrupting the life and eating patterns of schoolchildren, resulting in obesity problems.
The Department of Paediatrics of the Faculty of Medicine of CUHK and the Hong Kong Paediatrics Foundation interviewed 1,439 parents of children from kindergarten to primary school from last month to the middle of this month, and found that the rate of overweight or obesity among children increased by 1.8 times during the epidemic; The childhood obesity rate has increased from 7% before the epidemic to 24%, that is, 2.4 out of 10 high school children are overweight or obese.
The survey also mentioned that during the epidemic, schoolchildren's life patterns have changed, and their happiness index dropped by 21%. 36% of them even lost their temper over the resumption of classes, and 29% said they would rather continue to suspend classes or take online classes.
Pediatricians remind parents to pay attention to the changes in their children's life and diet,
A survey by the Faculty of Medicine of CUHK and the Pediatrics Foundation indicated that children are severely obese during the epidemic.
From left: Wang Xiaoli, Li Minzhan and Zhao Changcheng
(Provided by CUHK)
The survey is divided into three age groups: kindergarten (3 to 6 years old), junior primary school (6 to 8 years old) and senior primary school (9 to 13 years old) according to the age of the children of the interviewed parents. Overall, school children are overweight and obese. The ratio increased from 4.8% before the epidemic to 13.5% during the epidemic, an increase of 1.8 times. The ratio increased in all three age groups, especially in the elementary and high school.
The obesity rate among elementary and junior high school children increased from 5% to 13%;
Increased portion of unhealthy food increased snacks and drinks
The survey revealed that the eating habits of school children have deteriorated, and the amount of unhealthy food consumed has increased. Among them, 55% are snacks, 43% are sugar-sweetened beverages, and 36% are instant noodles or cup noodles.
Many school children watch TV or use electronic products while eating, and 84% of school children spend less time exercising outdoors. Older children are more likely to have unhealthy living and eating habits than younger children.
(Provided by CUHK)
36% of children lost their temper due to resumption of classes
The survey also found that parents with higher stress levels had a higher rate of tantrums in their children. 36% of their children had lost their temper due to the resumption of classes, and 29% said they would rather continue to suspend classes or take online classes.
During the epidemic, the health index and happiness index of schoolchildren both declined.
Wang Xiaoli, secretary-general of the Hong Kong Pediatric Foundation and a pediatrician, said that it is difficult to define childhood obesity with the adult body mass index (BMI) standard.
Many children have been suspended from school due to the epidemic, and they are eating without doing anything at home, which has led to an increase in the obesity rate. When I went to the doctor, I also found that at least 20 to 30% of the children had gained significant weight.
It is easier to lose weight by integrating sports into games
She pointed out that it is more difficult to lose weight once obese. Past examples have found that exercising in games is more motivating for children, but it must be sustained to a certain extent.
She also stressed the importance of breakfast, "three meals at a time, less out of control", and reminded parents to stick to their children's eating habits.
Doctor's Tip:
(Provided by CUHK)
Zhao Changcheng, a member of the board of directors of the Pediatric Fund and a pediatrician, said that he believes that with the current resumption of classes, the amount of children's exercise will increase compared with the suspension of classes, and may not fully return to the level before the epidemic, but there are conditions for improvement.
He suggested that parents can let their children eat high-fiber foods first, teach them to chew slowly, and cooperate with exercise to return to normal social interaction.
▼The first day of resumption of classes at Tsuen Wan Chamber of Commerce School on April 19▼
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