As the lockdown implemented to fight against COVID-19, the rate of childhood obesity increases drastically around the world.

An article published in the journal entitled "obesity" suggests that lockdown adversely affects the three predominant factors such as diet, physical activity and sleep responsible for obesity. Amid this lockdown, the physical activity of children goes down as they didn't go to school. They are always staying at home with their family. Lack of physical activity causes childhood obesity. There is a dramatic change found in the dietary pattern among children amid this lockdown period. They are eating more red meat, sugary drinks and some other ready-to-eat junk foods as a result they have gained extra weight very quickly as their physical activity is very low. They are also eating one extra meal other than the regular meal that contributes to the overweight.

On the other hand, they are spending five hours per day on the phone or in front of TV screen which is also negatively impacted their lifestyle.

A change in the dietary pattern and physical activity can be disastrous for the children. Because overeating and lack of physical activity are responsible for obesity. On the other hand, Obesity is the mother of all diseases. Ultimately, inadequate physical activity and overeating putting our children into a greater risk to become obese. To keep your children healthy as well as active you must ensure proper diet, a different type of playing facilities at home.

Always try to add a liberal amount of seasonal fruits, green leafy vegetables in their diet and ask them to drink plenty of water. This way you will be able to ensure the right amount of vitamin and mineral which is also needed to fight against COVID-19. As the vitamins and minerals boost the immune system which is the predominant factor to prevent coronavirus. You can also practice yoga at home with your children which will boost their mental health as well as increase physical activity. In this tough situation, it is our responsibility to keep our children active and healthy so that they become disease-free and lead a healthy life.

Make sure your children are eating properly, playing properly and sleeping properly. Then, your child will be healthy and you will be tension free. Nurture your children and lead a happy life with your beloved family.

Md Billal Hossen, MS Student, Department of Applied Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Biological Science, Islamic University, Bangladesh.