Prevalence of overweight/obesity in infants cared for at the CIMEQ pediatric clinic in times of COVID-19

Authors

  • Danusia Felipe Mallea
  • Laura E. Alvaré Alvaré
  • Mairaly Porta Díaz
  • Alena Salvato Dueñas
  • Ivete Gonzales Concepción

Keywords:

sobrepeso/obesidad, prevención, factores de riesgo

Abstract

Introduction. Overweight and obesity constitute a serious public health problem that has had a notable increase in times of COVID-19 in the world and our pediatric population does not seem to be excluded from the subject.

Objective. To describe the prevalence of overweight/obesity in children treated at the CIMEQ pediatric clinic in times of COVID-19 and to identify associated risk factors.

Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 286 infants between 3-18 years of both sexes who attended the CIMEQ pediatric consultation in times of COVID-19. Age, sex, weight, height, nutritional assessment, blood pressure, APF for obesity, frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables, physical activity, area in the home where it is carried out, and family concern about the child's weight. Results. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 38.1%, not predominating in any specific age group. There were no differences regarding sex. The highest percentage of overweight/obese people do not have APF of obesity, 17.13% and 11.53% respectively. In the obese, an infrequent consumption of vegetables predominated, 9.44%, and 14.33% of them do not perform physical activity. The variable parental concern about the child's weight and space in the house for physical activity did not have significant differences.

Conclusions. The prevalence of overweight/obesity in times of COVID-19 found was high, and there are no significant differences for age or sex. The APFs of obesity are rare in the overweight/obese children in this study. Only in adolescents were elevated BP figures seen, which was significant. In obese children, an infrequent consumption of vegetables predominated and the highest percentage of them did not perform physical activity. Parents' concern about their child's weight and having or not having space in the house for physical activity did not show significant differences.

Published

2022-12-31

How to Cite

1.
Felipe Mallea D, Alvaré Alvaré LE, Porta Díaz M, Salvato Dueñas A, Gonzales Concepción I. Prevalence of overweight/obesity in infants cared for at the CIMEQ pediatric clinic in times of COVID-19. Invest Medicoquir [Internet]. 2022 Dec. 31 [cited 2025 Dec. 18];15(1):e794. Available from: https://revcimeq.sld.cu/index.php/imq/article/view/794

Issue

Section

Research article