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COVID-19 related school closure and risk of weight gain among children

Title
COVID-19 related school closure and risk of weight gain among children

Research Area
Education

Author
Rundle A G et al; Obesity

Summary of Findings
This study draws on a number of previously published research articles and other sources of data. It uses research on the impacts of the 6 week summer school holiday on obesity levels in children and applies this to the COVID-19 school closures. Previous data suggests that children gain weight over the summer holidays with a higher rate of students being overweight or obese being seen in the first term of the academic year. One of the key factors impacting this is food, particularly for families on low income and/or eligible for free school meals. Another factor is reduced opportunities for physical activity especially those in more urban areas who have less safe access to outdoor spaces. The risk of weight gain is particularly important not only for the health of children while at school age but also in the future. The researchers noted that those experiencing obesity at age 5 have an increased probability of obesity through to the age of 50. They also suggest that those from BAME backgrounds may be disproportionally affect. The researchers suggest that ways to mitigate this risk could include healthy food deliveries to those who would usually receive free school meals. Also with schools potentially distributing work/lessons plans to families they could include physical activity ideas similar to online exercise videos targeted at adults. They add that more research is important as the situation progresses.

Implications
The effects of the corona virus on activity level amongst young people is yet to be assessed however this research speculates the possible effects and could be used to try to avoid these outcomes. Holiday hunger has been a high profile issue in 2020, with Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford's successful campaign to encourage the Government to extend free school meals into the summer months. Active Black Country will work with public health colleagues to ensure our Rainbow Hour campaign complements local holiday activity schemes and provides inclusive opportuntiies to help young people stay active when not in school.