SEOUL, March 18 (Korea Bizwire) — The obesity rate among children and teenagers has increased following the spread of COVID-19, which has forced many to remain indoors.
A research team from Nowon Eulji Medical Center compared the body mass index (BMI) data of children who visited the hospital before and during the pandemic.
Of 113 children who visited the hospital in the pre-pandemic era from May to July 2019, 25.3 percent of girls and 23.3 percent of boys were obese.
In contrast, of 201 children who visited the hospital following the pandemic outbreak from May to July 2020, 31.4 percent of girls and 45.8 percent of boys were obese.
In 12 months, the obesity rate among girls and boys jumped by 6.1 and 22.5 percentage points, respectively.
The obesity rate has soared particularly among boys, likely because they have been prevented from engaging in outdoor activities.
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
