The Harmful Impact of COVID-19 on Adiposity Markers and Cognitive Development in Maya Children

The isolation period during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered physical activity and social interactions in children, with disproportionately severe effects in impoverished indigenous communities. To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body composition and cognitive status in Maya children. A prospective study conducted from March 2020 (pre-COVID) to April 2022 (post-COVID) involving 80 school-aged children from Tahdziú, Yucatán, México. Somatometric, cognitive, and dietary parameters were assessed. Post-pandemic assessments revealed a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of excess body fat mass (2.5% vs. 16.3%)*, fat arm area (7.6% vs. 20%)*, and fat mass index (5.1% vs. 16.3%)*. There was also an upward trend in excess body weight (24.1% vs. 31.1%) and cardiometabolic risk index (24.1% vs. 32.5%). High rates of undernutrition persisted (78.8% and 76.3%), as did impaired cognitive function (13.8% and 21.3%). Additionally, 97.8% of children reported a low-dietary-quality (HEI score < 80). The pandemic negatively impacted body composition, increasing adiposity markers associated with future cardiometabolic risk. It also exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities, as evidenced by low diet quality and worsening cognitive performance, potentially contributing to long-term educational disparities in this population.