Children's Rates of BMI Change Prepandemic and During Two COVID-19 Pandemic Periods, IQVIA AEMR, January 2018-November 2021.

In this large geographically-diverse cohort of U.S. youth, accelerated rates of BMI change observed during 2020 were largely attenuated in 2021. Positive rates indicate continued weight gain rather than loss, albeit at a slower rate. Childhood obesity prevalence remained high, which raises concern about long-term consequences of excess weight and underscores the importance of healthy lifestyle interventions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.