Study reveals poor childhood nutrition may lead to stunted growth and childhood obesity

Children of varying heights

A global study assessing the height and weight of children revealed great variability in the height and weight of schoolchildren. Inadequate and poor quality nutrition in the school years may lead to stunted growth and increased childhood obesity, negatively impacting children’s health in later life. Professor Majid Ezzati, one of the study’s authors, noted the importance of this during the COVID-19 pandemic with many schools closed worldwide, affecting the ability of families to provide adequate nutrition for their children.