The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has made it even tougher for children to be active. And it’s gotten even more difficult during the winter months. More than 13 million children and teens struggle with their weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mary J. Messito, MD, clinical associate professor in NYU Langone’s Department of Pediatrics, tells Fox 5 New York that a lack of access to nutritious foods in lower-income communities during this time plays a huge factor as well.

“It is harder to get healthy food for a lot of families, for multiple reasons—economics, traveling, being at home all the time. The temptation of snacking and eating processed foods is higher. This has impacted the intake side of the equation negatively for many families, and it’s impacted the caloric expenditure side by drastically reducing kids’ ability to get physical activity.”

Dr. Messito added that parents can start slow with their children with online yoga class and stretching videos. And don’t be afraid to let them bundle up and go outside to get some fresh air.

Watch more from Fox 5 New York.