Change in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and severe obesity in seven-year-old children between 2019-2023 - project COSI.

This study is part of the World Health Organization's European initiative to monitor trends in overweight and obesity in children. Children have been monitored every two years using a consistent protocol since 2008. The COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021) and related restrictions significantly altered daily life, including that of children. We compared the prevalence of overweight in seven-year-olds from the 5th monitoring period (Jan-Dec 2019) and the 6th period (Nov 2022-Mar 2024) to assess the impact of pandemic-related restrictions. Results showed no significant change in overall overweight or obesity prevalence between the two periods. In the 6th monitoring, 5.7% of boys and 6% of girls had overweight; 7.5% of boys and 7.3% of girls had obesity. Severe obesity was relatively high (3.8% for both sexes) but not significantly different from 2019. Abdominal obesity, indicated by a risk waist-to-height ratio, was found in 12.9% of boys and 12.2% of girls - also unchanged from the earlier monitoring. Overall, two years after lifting COVID-19 restrictions, overweight prevalence in 7-year-olds remained like pre-pandemic levels. However, the persistent prevalence of severe obesity is concerning and highlights the need for continued public health efforts.