Physical and social activities constraint and its effects on Body Mass Index of former Neonatal Intensive Care children

Abstract

ObjectiveIt is reported weight gain in children due to the confinement measures during the Covid-19 pandemic. We aimed to describe the effect of these measures on the nutritional status of former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit children. MethodsCross-sectional study, including former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit children. The outcome was the Body mass index (BMI). ResultsWe enrolled 126 children (74.6 % preterm; 31 % small-for-gestational-age). Weight excess was greater in the youngest group (≤5 years: 33.8 %; >5 years: 15.2 %). Prematurity was associated with weight excess in both groups (≤5 years: p value 0.006; >5 years: p value 0.046; Pearson test). Mealtime changes, lack of physical activity, socioeconomic factors and the perinatal morbidities significantly influenced the mean BMI. Birth length Z score less than −1.28 was negatively associated with BMI, while gestational age at birth presented a positive association with BMI (linear regression model). ConclusionsThe BMI increase due to the confinement measures associated with the gestational age at birth and in those born with intrauterine growth restriction is a matter of concern, as it might indicate a risk for future obesity.