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Children with autism may have increased risk for obesity

Children with autism have increased risk for unhealthy weight, particularly if they experience sleep or affective problems, according to study findings in Pediatrics.

“Although many risk factors for unhealthy weight are probably the same in children with [autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)] as in the general pediatric population, children with ASDs may be vulnerable to additional risks,” Alison Presmanes Hill, PhD, of Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Portland, Oregon, and colleagues wrote. “For example, problem eating behaviors such as food selectivity are common among children with ASDs, which tends to coincide with preferences for a narrow range of low-nutrition, energy-dense foods and rejection of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Children with ASDs also spend more time in sedentary activities and have less regular physical activity.”

To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children with ASD, researchers analyzed weight and height values for 5,053 children with ASD from the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network. Study participants were aged 2 to 17 years. Researchers defined overweight and obesity using CDC criteria for BMI for gender and age.

Overall, 33.6% were overweight and 18% were obese.

Children with ASD had significantly higher rates of unhealthy weight compared with the general U.S. population. Unhealthy weight rates were particularly high among children with ASD aged 2 to 5 years and those of non-Hispanic white ethnicity.

Older age, Hispanic of Latino ethnicity, lower parent education levels and sleep and affective problems were significant predictors of obesity, according to multivariate analyses.

“The study provides strong confirmatory evidence that young children with ASDs are at risk for unhealthy weight trajectories and that the presence of sleep or affective problems may confer increased risk,” the researchers wrote. “The findings suggest that health care providers should talk with families early about the risk of unhealthy weight in ASDs, particularly when other comorbid conditions exist.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Hill reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.