The State of the Summer: a Review of Child Summer Weight Gain and Efforts to Prevent It

Abstract

Summer weight gain remains a concern for elementary-age youth. Few studies have examined its determinants, but unfavorable summertime shifts in diet, physical activity, sedentary time, screen media use, and sleep have been reported. Increased structure is thought to protect against summer weight gain. Interventions to support physical activity and nutrition during the summer show promise, though large-scale impact on weight outcomes remains to be seen. Supporting health behaviors during the summer remains a priority for obesity prevention researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Strategies to expand access to structured programs and reach beyond such programs to improve behaviors at home are of particular importance.

Summer Weight Gain Among Preschool-Aged Children With Obesity: An Observational Study in Head Start

“…Children in Head Start have distinct academic year and summer rates of change in mBMIz, and children with obesity experienced significantly accelerated summer weight gain. Similar patterns have been observed among school-aged children ( 1 ) and in 2 previous studies of preschoolers ( 2 , 4 ), adding to the evidence that efforts to promote healthy child weight may be most needed in summer. The lack of a structured daily schedule ( 10 ), the biological response to longer day length ( 11 ), or both may explain accelerated summer weight gain.…”

“…School-aged children experience more rapid weight gain during summer than the academic year ( 1 ). Previous studies on summer weight gain among preschoolers have yielded mixed results ( 2 – 4 ).…”

Early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and sedentary behavior in children living in the U.S.

“…As a result of these policies, children typically engage in lower levels of PA and more sedentary time on weekend days as compared to school days [18,19]. Also, children tend to gain more weight over the summer, especially children who are not enrolled in structured summer camps and activities [20][21][22][23]. If COVID-19 school closures and sport team/activity class cancellations lasting a year or more result in similar inactivity patterns that are typically seen on weekend days and during the summer, there may be enormous consequences for children's overall physical health.…”

COVID-19-Related Weight Gain in School-Aged Children

“…Although a lot of literature is available about poor eating habits and body exercises in schools, according to research, children experience an increase in unhealthy weight not within the school year but generally in the summer months when they do not attend school ( 3 - 5 ). A study during school years has shown that the outbreak of overweight/obesity in students occurred only within the summer vacations ( 3 ). Research and follow-up studies show that an abnormal increase in weight is evident at school summer vacation, especially for some breeds, as well as children who were already extra weight ( 3 , 5 ).…”