National data showed an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among four-year-old Swedish children during the first year of COVID-19.

AIM: This paper summarised national data on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 4-year-old children in Sweden in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. It compares this with data from 2018. Differences between regions and sex were identified. METHODS: Comparative data from Swedish Child Health Services were available for 18/21 regions. Chi-square tests were used to compare data from 2018 and 2020 and to examine differences between the sexes. Sex and year were examined through interaction tests. RESULTS: In 2020, 13.3% of the 100 001 children had overweight or obesity: 15.1% of the girls and 11.6% of the boys (p < 0.001). In 2018, 11.4% of the 105 445 children had overweight or obesity: 13.2% of the girls and 9.4% of the boys. This was an overall increase of 16.6% (p = 0.000) in the national Swedish data from 2018 to 2020. The increase between the years was greater for obesity (31.8%, p = 0.000) than for overweight (13.3%, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among 4-year-olds in Sweden increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to be addressed. The prevalence needs to be followed as part of prevention programmes and to evaluate health interventions.

[High levels of overweight and obesity in four year olds in Sweden]. / Övervikt och fetma kvar på höga nivåer bland 4-åringar i Sverige.

Childhood obesity is an increasing global health problem. Prevention and early treatment is crucial. The Swedish child health care targets almost all children and iso-BMI is assessed from the age of two. National reports on the prevalence of obesity are scarce. In this report data from the Swedish child health care on 105 445 four year olds was collected. Overweight (9 %) and obesity (2 %) was registered in 11 % of the children, which is in line with earlier, smaller, reports. More girls than boys were overweight or obese.  To improve the situation, the problem needs to be addressed by the entire society. Further evidence-based methods on prevention and early treatment need to be established. The Swedish child health care registry will enable follow-up on prevalence data.