Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity in Early Childhood
The aim of this work, carried out by members of the University of Texas, was to study the frequency, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of childhood obesity in early childhood (weight x height), in pediatric practice.
We conducted a case-control study retrospectively. The researchers reviewed and collected data from medical records of mothers (during pregnancy) and their children.
From the data, the authors conclude that obesity in infancy strongly predicts obesity at 24 months. Risk factors include excessive weight gain during pregnancy or a high weight of the newborn for gestational age.
Thus, doctors diagnose obesity in only a minority of children. Pediatric primary care also needs to diagnose obesity in infants and working to develop effective interventions in this regard.
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