Rapid weight gain during early childhood, a possible risk factor for later obesity in autistic children

Obesity in children is a serious public health problem that can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of children. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are more likely to suffer from obesity than their peers with typical development, data show. Until recently, little was known about the increased risks of obesity in children with ASD.

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania Nursing School (Penn Nursing), which examines risk factors for obesity in children with ASD, delays or developmental disorders and children from the general population, ASDs had the highest frequency of rapid weight gain during the first six months of life, which exposed them to an increased risk of childhood obesity. The study was published online in the journal Autism.

"Healthy growth patterns during early childhood, in particular, may be of particular importance to children at increased risk of diagnosing ASD, including high-risk populations such as ex-premature infants, younger siblings and children. others, "said Tanja Kral, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing at the Department of Biomedical Health Sciences and lead author of the study.

The study also showed that mothers of all overweight or obese groups before pregnancy were almost 2.5 times more likely to have a child suffering from overweight or obesity at home. 2 to 5 years old than other mothers. The risk of obesity in children in all groups was also 1.5 times higher in mothers who exceeded the recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy.

"Helping mothers achieve a healthy weight before pregnancy and adequate weight gain during pregnancy and promoting healthy growth during early childhood are important goals for all children," said Kral.

The results of this research could shed light on the possible mechanisms underlying the increased risk of obesity in children with ASD and suggest targets for early intervention.

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More information:
Tanja VE Kral et al. The first influences of life on the weight of children in the study on early development, Autism (2018). DOI: 10.1177 / 1362361318791545