Prevalence of Obesity in Children with Autism - A West Wales Study

Introduction:
• Feeding habits, behaviour and associated medical conditions are different in children with autism.
• Anecdotally based on our local assessment of children with autism, we felt there is an increase in prevalence of obesity.
• The study aim is to estimate the current prevalence of obesity in children with autism.
• The audit results can be helpful in constructing designated guidelines for the management of obese children with autism

Methods:
• Retrospective data collection.
• A snapshot of children with autism presented to our outpatient department during the period 01/01/2014 to 31/12/2014.
• 39 notes analysed.

Results:
20% of the study sample are overweight or obese.
50% of the overweight or obese were girls while 14% were boys
Nearly 80% has comorbidities.
Physical activity was not explored during history taking in any overweight or obese child.
None were given advice regarding weight loss programs.
25% were referred to a dietician or a specialist

Conclusion:
• `Various studies report the prevalence of obesity in autism to be between 23 to 30%. Our study shows similar prevalence (20%)
• Interestingly, we found a comparatively higher prevalence of obesity in girls (50%) as compared to boys (14%).
• The above findings would imply that obesity is prevalent in children with autism and would require suitable management.
• It should be specially recognized that Autistic girls would, in particular, need careful attention to their weight gain issues.

Recommendation:
• Prompt recognition of obesity in children with autism with early intervention
• There is a need for construction of local guidelines for management of autistic children who are overweight or obese with multidisciplinary team involvement