With schools closed, restrictions on playgrounds, and hours in front of screens, kids are on the rise, which doctors say is a worrying trend and could contribute to Covid-19 complications in pediatric patients. In the second wave, obese or high body mass index children needed more clinical attention.
Dr. Ramesh Bharmal, dean of BYL Nair Hospital, said nearly 30-40% of pediatric patients with Covid-19 infection who were hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU) or ventilators in April are overweight. “During the height of the pandemic, we had several pediatric patients who were overweight or obese. Because of their underlying health problems, they take longer than others to recover, ”she said.
Similarly, Dr. Tushar Parikh, pediatrician at Motherhood Hospital: “Such children tend to develop more complications like acute pneumonia that require intensive care treatment.”
In hospitals like Nanavai Max Super Specialty Hospital and Bombay Hospital, the number of children suffering from obese heart, respiratory and diabetes complications has increased. “Due to the Covid-19 security restrictions, children cannot go to school or play outside. It also affects their mental health, which often makes them irritable and aggressive. This also leads to overeating and consumption of junk food, ”said Dr. Harish Shetty, a city-based psychiatrist.
Dr. Parikh claimed that obese children with mild Covid-19 infection can become serious. “An obese child is prone to heart problems and diabetes early on, which weakens immunity. This makes them more susceptible to Covid-19. Even after being infected, your underlying health may further worsen your infection. ”
Health experts say the lockdown has negatively impacted children’s sleep, eating habits, and physical activity. In fact, doctors have children as early as two years of age who gain weight due to the sedentary lifestyle. “In children, obesity can lead to metabolic syndrome (a collection of diseases that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes), which can be a serious problem in adolescence,” said Dr. Subhash Rao, chief pediatrician at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vasi.
According to a study “Obesity as a risk factor for serious illnesses caused by Covid-19 in children and adolescents”, obesity leads to persistent dysregulation of the immune system and is associated with an increased susceptibility to infections that lead to sepsis and death. It has been postulated that chronic inflammatory hypercytokinemia, endothelial dysfunction, cardiac abnormalities, and prothrombotic environment are possible mechanisms by which obesity leads to poorer Covid-19 outcomes. The study was carried out by Ascension Sacred Heart, University of Florida, Pensacola, USA.
The study concluded: “As the number of pediatric infections from Covid-19 increases, risk factors for the severity of the disease become clear, with obesity being the main risk for the pediatric population.” should be more careful, “said Dr. Bakul Parekh, former President of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) and part of the Covid Pediatric Task Force.
Dr. Rao suggested that the children eat healthy foods to make sure they are getting all of the micronutrients, vitamins, and the correct number of calories to build their immunity. “Also provide for at least an hour of physical activity in the form of exercises at home, dancing, climbing stairs instead of a lift, among other things. Limit your consumption of ‘JUNCS’ foods ie (junk food, highly processed foods, nutritionally inappropriate foods, caffeinated / colored / carbonated foods / beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages), ”he said.
source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/covid-pandemic-children-putting-on-weight-doctors-warn-of-health-risks-mumbai-news/
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