The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood obesity rates, by Health Board area, in Wales, UK

Background The aim of this study was to examine the possible impact of the coronavirus pandemic on rates of children living with obesity and severe obesity, by Health Board area in Wales.Methods The pre-pandemic data consisted of all children included in the Wales Childhood Measurement Programme (2014/15-2018/19). The 2021/22 Child Measurement Programme data were used as the post-pandemic data set. Body mass index for obesity and severe obesity were calculated as 95th and 99.6th centiles, respectively.Results Of the 163 277 children measured pre-pandemic (2014/15 to 2018/19), the overall prevalence of children with obesity and severe obesity were 12.1 and 3.2%, respectively. In the post-pandemic year (2021/22), obesity increased to 15.5% and severe obesity increased to 4.8%, with clear deprivation differentials (noting one of the seven Health Boards was unable to submit data post-pandemic). Two Health Boards had significantly higher rates of obesity post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Increased levels of severe obesity were observed in all Health Boards with available data.Conclusion The post-pandemic rise in obesity and severe obesity in young children living in Wales demonstrates a need for more work on the prevention of obesity and severe obesity, targeting the early years and areas of socio-economic disadvantage.