COVID-19, Obesity and Lifestyle in Children

The threat of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, from here
onward mentioned as COVID-19) and the national measures to restrict transmission of
COVID-19 in the Dutch population have caused a radical change in the daily life of Dutch
citizens. Closing of schools and public locations, even as the public order for social
distancing and self-isolation, is affecting the daily structure and lifestyle habits of
Dutch children greatly. These radical changes in the current situation could yield
important information regarding the health behaviour of children and their families.
Knowledge of these changes and their effects on the health behaviour of these children
and their families could influence future interventions and regulations regarding health
behaviour. Current (preliminary) prevalence figures show that up to 80% of patients
infected with COVID-19 are overweight or obese, indicating that being overweight or obese
could be a potential adverse predisposition in the course of a COVID-19 infection. In the
light of this (and possible future) pandemic, it is important to investigate the effects
of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health behaviour i.e. lifestyle of children (aged between
4 and 18 years) and their families and especially the effects on possible weight gain
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier studies demonstrated that in particular children
with overweight/obesity gain weight in situations when schools close such as during
summer holidays and also during (economic) crisis. It is of importance to investigate the
effects of the Corona-crisis in particular in these children with a high health risk.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its measures on
lifestyle in lean children and children with overweight and obesity. It evaluates
differences in subgroups, e.a. lean/overweight children, socio-economic status, gender
and age.

Study design is a mixed-methods study. Children and/or parents will receive online
questionnaires regarding lifestyle during governemantal measures due to the Covid-19
pandemic, such as closure of schools and sportclubs.

In addition, several children and parents will be interviewed about the changes in
lifestyle, and their needs for working on lifestyle, during the pandemic, for in-depth
qualitative information.