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Profiles of obese children presenting for metabolic evaluation
J Anavian1, D J Brenner, P Fort
1Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, New York University School of Medicine, USA.
Insights
Childhood obesity is linked to family history of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Mild hypercholesterolemia and insulin insensitivity are common, particularly in adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern, leading to earlier onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).
- Family history of obesity and diabetes are significant risk factors in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlations between childhood obesity and family history.
- To analyze anthropomorphic, dietary, exercise, and endocrine/metabolic patterns in obese children.
Main Methods:
- Chart review of 106 children aged 3-18 years, divided into four age groups.
- Data collection included anthropometrics, family history, lifestyle factors, and endocrine/metabolic markers.
- Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Parental obesity correlated with higher percent ideal body weight (IBW) in children (p=0.01).
- 58% of children had relatives with type 2 DM; 9% with type 1 DM.
- Elevated cholesterol (mean 176 mg/dl) and increasing insulin resistance with age were observed; thyroid dysfunction was rare.
Conclusions:
- Childhood obesity is associated with family history of obesity and diabetes.
- Mild hypercholesterolemia and insulin insensitivity are prevalent, especially in adolescent populations.
- Thyroid dysfunction is uncommon in this cohort.
Background:
Obesity, increasingly prevalent among children, causes major morbidities, among which is earlier onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods:
We reviewed charts of children aged 3 to 18 years (n=106). The population was divided into four age groups. Anthropomorphic measurements, family history, diet and exercise patterns, and selected endocrine/metabolic measurements were recorded, and descriptive statistics were calculated.
Results:
Obesity in one or both parents correlated with a higher percent of ideal body weight (IBW) (p = 0.01). Fifty-eight percent of the children had first- or second-degree relatives with a history of type 2 DM; 9% had relatives with type 1 DM. Fifty-four percent had dieted and exercised regularly. Mean onset of obesity was at 4.2 +/- 0.9 years. Mean cholesterol was elevated at 176 mg/dl. Average BMI was 26.6 in the youngest children (Group 1; normal mean for this age approximately 15.5), and increased to 37.8 in adolescents (Group 4; normal mean approximately 21). Elevated TSH was present in <1% of the population. The number of patients with an abnormal insulin: glucose ratio (>1:4) increased with age.
Conclusions:
Childhood obesity in children is correlated with family histories of obesity and DM. Thyroid dysfunction is seldom found, although mild hypercholesterolemia and insulin insensitivity are prevalent, especially among adolescents.