Unveiling COVID-19 lockdowns shaped the growth of Chinese preschool children
Authors' conclusion
We conclude that the prevalence of children with overweight and obesity during the lockdown period was significantly higher compared to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting that lockdown measures exacerbated these conditions. Moreover, these negative effects are likely to persist in the long term.
Study context
- Population
- Preschool children identified in 2018 (3-year-olds), China, followed with routine physical examination data 2019–2021
- Exposure
- Growth during COVID-19 lockdown vs pre-pandemic
- Outcome
- Growth (height, weight, BMI)
- Follow-up
- 2018 to 2021
Methodological detailspaired data, follow-up 2018–2021
- Paired data
- Follow-up 2018–2021
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Major COVID-19 lockdown did not hinder height growth; slightly promoted it
- Lockdown accelerated weight gain
- Changes in height and weight led to variations in BMI
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Unveiling COVID-19 lockdowns shaped the growth of Chinese preschool children. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 27 March 2025. doi:10.
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