The Impact of COVID-19 on Body Mass Index Among Hispanic Children Accessing a Primary Care Clinic in Central Texas: An Epidemic Amidst a Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic led to lifestyle disruptions that increased the risk for pediatric obesity and health disparities among Hispanic children. This study aimed to assess weight and body mass index (BMI) trends longitudinally, pre-and intra-COVID-19 pandemic, among Hispanic children. Method: A retrospective chart review included Hispanic children (n = 88) accessing a Federally Qualified Health Center, including six pediatric primary care clinics 6 months prepandemic and 6-, 12-and 18-month intrapandemic intervals. Descriptive statistical analyses included paired t tests, repeated-measures analysis of vari-ance, and correlations for weight and BMI percentiles comparisons at prepandemic and intrapandemic intervals. Results: Comparison of prepandemic and 6-month intrapandemic intervals did not identify differences in BMI percentiles. A significant difference in BMI percentiles was found in comparisons of prepandemic and 12-and 18-month intrapandemic intervals, with no differences identified by age or sex. Discussion: Hispanic children experienced a significant increase in BMI percentiles throughout the pandemic. Addressing this social determinant of health among Hispanic children presenting with anomalous weight gain is imperative to promote health equity by focusing on the pediatric obesity epidemic. J Pediatr Health Care. (2023) 37, 652-657