Pandemic increases childhood obesity in Vienna

Childhood obesity has become a major concern worldwide, and Austria is no exception. With the number of children suffering from obesity on the rise, understanding the trends and factors contributing to this problem is more important than ever. Recent observations show that while some countries have managed to stabilise childhood obesity rates, others are still experiencing a worrying rise. This trend is particularly alarming given the serious health risks associated with obesity, which can have long-term consequences for affected children as they grow into adulthood. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the situation, disrupting daily routines and affecting children’s physical activity and eating habits.

A comprehensive study conducted between 2017 and 2023 in Vienna, Austria, has provided crucial insights into obesity trends among children aged 8 to 11 years. The study, led by Professor Kurt Widhalm from the Medical University of Vienna together with Dr Paula Moliterno and Victoria Donhauser from the Austrian Academic Institute of Clinical Nutrition, reveals a worrying rise in obesity rates among schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was published in the journal Children (IF 2.0).

Researchers analysed body mass index (BMI) percentiles of children from the EDDY study, a project aimed at preventing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles among young children. “Our study aimed to examine temporal trends in the percentage of overweight and obesity in a sample of schoolchildren from Vienna, Austria, during 2017–2023,” explained Professor Widhalm. This peer-reviewed research highlights the pressing need for targeted interventions to address childhood obesity in Austria.

Key findings from the study include a notable increase in obesity rates during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity decreased during the study period, obesity alone experienced a slight increase. The study's trend analysis revealed that the percentage of children with obesity increased slightly. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted these trends, with overweight/obesity and obesity increasing considerably during the early period of the pandemic.

The study highlights the importance of continued monitoring and intervention to combat childhood obesity. “The current obesity rate in this sample is high and peaked during the pandemic,” said Professor Widhalm. They stress the need for future research to take into account the representativeness of the school-age population in Austria in order to gain a broader picture of overweight and obesity trends.

One of the most important findings of the study is that the percentage of children with excessive body weight for their age remains unacceptably high. Almost a third of the children in the sample were overweight or obese. This problem is not unique to Austria, as similar trends have been observed worldwide. The prevalence of childhood obesity is expected to increase significantly worldwide over the next decade.

In Austria, there are several national initiatives aimed at promoting healthy habits among children. Since 2012, the promotion of physical activity has been a national health objective, including the adaptation of living environments and the promotion of exercise skills in schools. The National Action Plan on Physical Activity (NAP.b) and the “Healthy Exercise for Children 2.0” initiative are key components of these initiatives. In addition, the National Action Plan for Nutrition (NAP.e) addresses various risk factors for obesity, with initiatives such as “Children Eat Healthy” aiming to improve children’s nutrition in primary schools and communities.

Despite these efforts, the study reveals that collective action is still needed to prevent a rise in obesity rates. “Although initiatives have been comprehensive, only a small percentage of schools have reported having projects related to healthy lifestyle topics,” said Professor Widhalm. This highlights the need for more targeted interventions and monitoring measures to ensure progress in the fight against childhood obesity.

The study also highlights the impact of cultural and socioeconomic factors on obesity rates. The neighborhood where the study was conducted has a high percentage of people with a migrant background, which may contribute to higher obesity rates. Dietary practices, societal ideals around body size, and socioeconomic circumstances all play a role in shaping childhood obesity trends.

In conclusion, the results of this six-year study by Professor Widhalm and colleagues highlight the urgent need for effective interventions to address childhood obesity in Austria. The increase in obesity rates during the COVID-19 pandemic underlines the importance of continued monitoring and targeted initiatives. As the team suggests, future research should focus on larger samples and longer follow-up periods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of childhood obesity trends in Austria.

Journal reference

Moliterno, P., Donhauser, V., & Widhalm, K. (2024). Childhood obesity trends among 8- to 11-year-old children: insights from a school sample in Vienna, Austria (2017–2023). Children, 11, 431. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children11040431

About the authors

Kurt Widhalm He graduated in medicine from the University of Vienna in 1971. He is a specialist in paediatrics and is a pioneer and renowned researcher in the field of nutritional medicine. He is currently Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Medicine and Paediatrics at the Medical University of Vienna and President of the Austrian Academic Institute of Nutritional Medicine in Vienna.

Paula Moliterno is a Nutritionist and completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the University of the Republic in Uruguay in 2021. Her experience as a Nutritionist includes clinical practice and research, focusing mainly on obesity, obesity-related diseases and dietary patterns.
She worked as an adjunct professor at the University of the Republic in Uruguay and currently heads the research team of the EDDY Study at the Austrian Academic Institute of Nutritional Medicine in Vienna. In addition to her research activities, she is a member of the Latin American Leadership Program in Nutrition (LILANUT).

Victoria Donhauser In 2022 she obtained a Master's degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Vienna. Since October 2022 she has been a project coordinator at the Austrian Academic Institute for Nutritional Medicine for the EDDY prevention project.