Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):60-64 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.010

Childhood obesity in the context of lifestyle changes: case studies from pilot research

Mgr. et Mgr. Tereza Metelcová, Ph.D.¹, Veronika Vyšatová, DiS., Linda Vlková, DiS.

Endokrinologický ústav, Praha

The development of obesity is influenced by various external factors, including diet, physical activity, sleep, and the psychosocial environment. Changes in these factors can disrupt energy balance and lead to excess fat mass. These unhealthy habits became more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to significant disruptions to normal daily routines. The aim of our pilot study was to evaluate the long-term effects of pandemic restrictions on body weight, diet, and physical activity in children aged 7-13 years who were followed at the Institute of Endocrinology. The children were monitored over a two-year period during regular visits with their nutrition therapists. At each visit, we collected anthropometric data. At baseline, children completed a physical activity questionnaire. During follow-up, they regularly recorded their food intake. We selected three female patients from the study to illustrate how lifestyle and body weight changed after the pandemic. These cases show that weight reduction slowed during the pandemic, and some children gained additional body fat. These trends continued after restrictions ended. In the post-pandemic period, many children in the cohort had trouble returning to their previous routines, which made weight-management efforts less effective. Effective management of childhood obesity requires a comprehensive approach, interdisciplinary collaboration, and long-term commitment.

Keywords: childhood obesity, eating habits, physical activity.

Accepted: February 16, 2026; Published: March 3, 2026  Show citation