Impact of COVID-19 on BMI Status and Comorbidities in New Patients Presenting to a Pediatric Weight Management Clinic: A Retrospective Study From January 2017 to June 2023

Abstract

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric obesity and comorbidities was investigated via a retrospective analysis of new patient visits at a pediatric weight management clinic. Prepandemic (N = 1590, January 1, 2017, to March 20, 2020) and postpandemic (N = 1040, April 1, 2020, to June 8, 2023), patients ages 2–21 years with overweight or obesity were studied. Results revealed significant increase in obesity severity during the postpandemic period (OR = 1.70 [1.45, 1.99]), with more comorbidities (OR = 1.28 [1.22, 1.34]). Prediabetes (OR = 1.62 [1.07, 2.47]), eating disorder/hyperphagia (OR = 1.77 [1.26, 2.50]), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (OR = 1.36 [1.09, 1.69]) diagnoses were more prevalent postpandemic. Patients aged 10 to <14 years (OR = 2.39 [1.51, 3.79]) and non-Hispanic patients (OR = 1.44 [1.07, 1.94]) had higher odds of mood/mental health disorder diagnoses postpandemic. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with worsening pediatric obesity severity and higher prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities in new patients presenting for treatment.