Children’s Nutrition, Eating Behavior, and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of the current review was to detail changes in children’s diet, eating behavior, and weight in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global changes in children’s diets and eating behavior occurred during the pandemic. Both undernutrition and obesity were prominent concerns. Obese children and those from low socioeconomic status families were particularly vulnerable.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased longstanding global concern about child nutrition, both undernutrition and obesity. The pandemic and extended home confinement were associated with changes in children’s food consumption, eating behavior, and ultimately weight. These changes were related to factors beyond food intake itself and included decreased physical activity, altered routines and schedules, sleep behaviors, and social concerns, among others. The findings have implications for both public health and clinical practice.