Influence of the Basal Metabolic Profile on the Evolution of the Pediatric Patient with Obesity

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a problem of growing importance globally. It is associated with significant health problems. Knowing how to treat it effectively would improve the quality of life of these children. The aim of this chapter is to study how basal metabolism influences the somatometric evolution of the child and adolescent population with obesity in a pediatric endocrinology clinic. Study childhood obesity in a tertiary hospital by means of a multichannel impedanceometry study. All the patients had a basal metabolism lower than the calculated theoretical ideal. In overall terms, weight reduction is not achieved in this pediatric population. However, it is observed a decrease in fat content in the medium term (1-3 years). Bioelectrical impedanceometry measurement is a simple method in clinical practice to evaluate the energy consumption and the body composition. Knowing the body composition of these children would help to intervene more effectively to help control obesity and its health consequences.