Obesity in Children Flashcards
Why is defining obesity more difficult in children than in adults?
Body mass index (BMI) varies with age.
When does NICE recommend tailored clinical intervention?
If BMI at 91st centile or above
When does NICE recommend checking for comorbidities?
If BMI at 98th centile or above
What is the most common cause of obesity?
Lifestyle factors
What is obesity in children also associated with?
- Asian children:
- female children
- taller children: children with obesity are often above the 50th percentile in height
How much more likely are children to be obese if they are asian?
Four times more likely
What syndromes can result in obesity in children?
- Down’s syndrome
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
What hormone deficiencies can cause obesity in children?
- growth hormone deficiency
* hypothyroidism
What orthopaedic problems could obesity result in?
- Slipped upper femoral epiphyses
- Blount’s disease
- Musculoskeletal pains
What is Blout’s disease?
A development abnormality of the tibia resulting in bowing of the legs
What psychological problems can obesity cause in children?
- Poor self-esteem
* Bullying
What ae possible long term consequences of obesity in children?
- increased incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus
- hypertension
- ischaemic heart disease
What other problems can obesity cause in a child?
sleep apnoea
benign intracranial hypertension
