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Updated: Jul 24, 2025

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
The relationship between functional constipation and overweight/obesity in children: a systematic review and
Gui Na Wang1, Kun Zhang1, Yi Yun Xiong1
1Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
Insights
Children with functional constipation face an increased risk of obesity, affecting both boys and girls. This association is particularly noted in developed nations, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Childhood Obesity Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Contradictory findings exist regarding the link between functional constipation and obesity in children.
- This study aims to clarify the association between these pediatric conditions.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
- Searched four major databases (PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science) until September 2022.
- Included nine studies with 7444 participants, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
Key Points:
- Functional constipation significantly increases obesity risk in both boys and girls.
- A notable association exists between overweight/obesity and functional constipation in children and adolescents.
- This link is more pronounced in developed countries compared to developing ones.
Conclusions:
- Functional constipation is a risk factor for obesity in pediatric populations.
- Obesity is associated with an increased risk of functional constipation, especially in developed countries.
- Further research is recommended for early detection and optimized treatment strategies.
Background:
Studies have reported the relationship between functional constipation and obesity in pediatric population. However, the results are contradictory. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible association between these two disorders in pediatric population.
Methods:
Four databases including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched until 30 September 2022. The review was done in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022328992) RESULTS: Nine studies met the eligibility criteria, including 7444 participants. Studies showed the risk of obesity was significantly increased in boys with functional constipation (CI: 1.12, 3.07; P = 0.016). Such an association was also observed in girls (CI: 1.42-4.47; P = 0.00). A statistically significant association was observed between overweight/obesity and increased risk of functional constipation in children and adolescents (CI: 1.14-3.97; P = 0.02). Especially in developed countries (CI: 1.49-3.46; P = 0.00); however, no significant association was observed in developing countries (CI: 0.81-5.3; P = 0.13).
Conclusions:
There is a risk of obesity in either boys or girls with functional constipation. An association exists between the risk of functional constipation and children/adolescents with obesity, especially in developed countries, but not in developing countries.
Impact:
Our study encourages further research in this field because early detection and intervention are crucial for both functional constipation and overweight/obesity in children, to better identify its complex biology and possibly optimize the treatment approaches.
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