Psychological distress and internet use in schoolchildren with and without overweight during COVID-19

Schoolchildren with overweight reported significantly higher levels of COVID-19 infection fear, stress, depression, perceived weight stigma, and problematic social media use compared to those without overweight.

• Psychological distress includes fear of COVID-19, stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors significantly predict psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight.
• The study involved 1357 schoolchildren, with 236 classified as having overweight.
• Higher psychological distress in children with overweight may be linked to social policy changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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