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Obesity across the lifespan among persons with spina bifida

Nienke P Dosa1, John T Foley, Michael Eckrich

  • 1Center for Development, Behavior, and Genetics, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. dosan@upstate.edu

Disability and Rehabilitation
|November 28, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Obesity is common in adults with spina bifida, especially women. Risk factors for obesity in spina bifida patients are similar to the general population, with lower functional motor levels increasing risk in adolescents.

Area of Science:

  • Medical research
  • Public health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Spina bifida is a complex congenital condition impacting mobility and health.
  • Obesity presents unique challenges for individuals with spina bifida across different age groups.
  • Understanding lifespan risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors associated with obesity throughout the lifespan in individuals diagnosed with spina bifida.
  • To compare obesity prevalence across pediatric, adolescent, and adult age groups with spina bifida.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional chart review of 203 spina bifida patients (ages 6-58).
  • Obesity defined by body mass index (BMI) and categorized by age groups: children (6-11), adolescents (12-19), and adults (>20).
  • Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and ordered logistic regression, controlling for sex, motor function, shunt status, and insurance.

Main Results:

  • Obesity rates were 18% (children), 8% (adolescents), and 37% (adults).
  • Adults and publicly insured individuals showed higher obesity rates.
  • Adolescents with lower functional motor levels (sacral) had increased obesity risk (OR=2.13).
  • Adult women had increased obesity risk (OR=2.28).

Conclusions:

  • While childhood and adolescent obesity rates are comparable to the general population, adult obesity is significantly higher in spina bifida patients.
  • Female sex and lower functional motor level are identified risk factors for obesity in adults and adolescents, respectively.
  • Risk factors for obesity in spina bifida mirror those found in the general population.
Abstract

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