Impacto do isolamento social devido à pandemia da COVID-19 na alimentação, tempo de tela, práticas de atividade física e qualidade de vida em crianças com sobrepeso e obesidade

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral eating habits, screen time, physical activity practices and quality of life in overweight and obese children. The sample consisted of 68 children, between 6 and 13 years old, who were divided into overweight and obese (OOC = 26) and normal weight (NWC = 42). The following were collected: a) Anthropometric data; b) Children's perception of their behavioral habits; c) The guardian's perception of their behavioral habits; d) Quality of life assessment (PedsQLTM); e) Impacts of social isolation on obesity and overweight. Children continued to practice physical exercise during the pandemic, but in both groups there was a slight reduction. The NWC group perceived a greater reduction of their physical activities between periods (pre-pandemic and pandemic) compared to the OOC group (p=0.048). Regarding diet, the amount of food consumed appeared to be increased in all groups, with the OOC group having the highest consumption (p=0.037). Screen time appeared to be increased in all groups. It is perceived that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the quality of life of children, especially in aspects involving mental health, social relationships, school performance and physical abilities. It is concluded that the children practiced physical exercise, besides the small reduction, there was an increase in screen time and in the amount of food consumed. Obese children showed a significant reduction in physical activities before and during the pandemic. Children's quality of life was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.