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Neurodevelopmental disorders are highly over-represented in children with obesity: A cross-sectional study

Elisabet Wentz1, Anna Björk2, Jovanna Dahlgren2

  • 1Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|November 23, 2016
PubMed

Insights

A significant portion of children with obesity have neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and ASD, impacting their weight management. Addressing these conditions alongside obesity may improve treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as ADHD, ASD, and DCD are common in children.
  • The interplay between obesity and NDDs requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of NDDs in children with obesity.
  • To compare body mass index (BMI) and metabolic profiles in children with and without NDDs.
  • To explore the potential impact of parental ADHD on family adherence in obesity treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-six children with severe obesity were recruited from a specialized university clinic.
  • NDDs (ADHD, ASD, DCD) were assessed using interviews and questionnaires, with diagnoses confirmed via medical records.
  • Parental screening for adult ADHD was also conducted.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence rates: 13.2% for ASD, 18.4% for ADHD, and 25% screened positive for DCD.
  • 31.6% of children had at least one NDD.
  • Girls with ASD/ADHD exhibited higher BMI SDS compared to those without NDDs (P=0.006).
  • 18.4% of parents screened positive for adult ADHD.

Conclusions:

  • Approximately one-third of children with obesity referred to specialist centers present with an NDD, including motor skill deficits.
  • Parental ADHD symptomatology may contribute to challenges in treatment adherence for some families.
  • Integrating neurodevelopmental approaches into obesity therapy could enhance treatment effectiveness.
Abstract

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