Identification of factors associated with the management of childhood obesity: Results from a French pediatric cohort study

Backgrounds

Childhood obesity is a real public health concern because of its association with a higher risk of adulthood obesity and comorbidities (metabolic, cardiovascular, etc.). The factors associated with the effectiveness of care are poorly described. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with body mass index (BMI) variation in the management of childhood obesity.

Material and Methods

Children followed up for obesity in the Pediatric Endocrinology Department of the University Children Hospital of Nancy were included. Data were retrospectively collected in medical files. The characteristics of patients with a decrease in BMI (in standard deviation score, SDS) were compared with patients with an increased BMI (SDS)after 1 year of follow-up through univariate analysis.

Results

Overall, 141 patients were included, and for 107 patients (55 girls and 52 boys) there were 1-year follow-up data. The mean BMI variation after 1 year of follow-up was−0.068 SD and for 63 patients (58.9%) there was a decrease in BMI SDS. Female patients (66% vs. 41%, p=0.012), hypercholesterolemia (33% vs. 4%, p=0.049), and type 1 diabetes (14% vs. 2%, p=0.019) were more frequent in patients with an unfavorable evolution of BMI SDS at 1 year. A family history of bariatric surgery (36% vs. 11%, p=0.042) or eating behavior disorders (76% vs. 24% of patients; p<0.001) or diabetes (1st or 2nd degree;81% vs. 60%, p=0.044) were also more frequent in children with an unfavorable evolution of BMI SDS at 1 year.

Conclusion

Several negative factors in the evolution of BMI were identified such as female sex, hypercholesterolemia, family history of bariatric surgery, or eating behavior. Early identification of these patients at risk of failure of obesity management is important to control BMI during childhood.