Risk factors and their implications in the epidemiology of pediatric obesity
Mindru, D.E.; Moraru, E.
Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii de Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi 116(3): 739-745
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0048-7848 PMID: 23272520 Document Number: 656397
Obesity is the most common food disorder in children from developed countries, its frequency alarmingly increasing in Romania. To evaluate the epidemiological dynamics of obesity and associated risk factors. Retrospective and prospective study of 146 obese children admitted to the 2nd Iasi Pediatric Clinic between 2008-2012 aimed at evaluating the epidemiological dynamics of obesity and associated risk factors. Most subjects were teenagers (33%), followed by school age children (21%). A growing tendency towards obesity in the study children was noticed during the 5-year follow up. Genetic factors, short breastfeeding, early onset of obesity, and eating disorders were the main obesity-associated risk factors, along with obesity in 1st degree relatives. Early infantile and juvenile obesity remains a medical and social problem in our geographic area, and unfortunately a neglected reality. Genetic factors, absence of breastfeeding, inappropriate food habits in the early years of life lead to permanent disorders, with serious consequences in adult life.