The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 had negative consequences on the global health of children through direct and indirect effects. Among the negative effects, a significant one is represented by the increase in overweight and obesity in the paediatric population. The isolation imposed by the law in addition to the suspension of motor and play activities have resulted in the strengthening of negative factors such as stress and depression, associated with the increase in the consumption of high-calorie foods, rich in sugars and saturated fats. Since 2010 the 12 family paediatricians from the Vercelli ASL (Italy) have collected data, included BMI.
During 2020 a significative increase in the BMI compared to 2019 was observed. The lockdown almost eliminated counselling regarding education for healthy life-styles and obesogenic environment was pervasive.