A new study showed children experienced accelerated weight gain during the summer months which continued into the school year as they largely stayed home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, published in the journal Pediatric Obesity, found that children were less active, consumed more snacks, and engaged in more screen time compared to before the pandemic. In particular, kids eating more and more ultra-processed foods might have played a big role in their weight gain. Parents, remember that you are role models. Children are influenced by the people around them and often do what they see others do. Be a good role model and eat healthy foods yourself if you want your kids to develop healthy eating habits.