Study of relation between autism and overweight in center of care of childern with special need in Ain Shams University

Abstract EN

Background: Obesity is a major public health problem and the prevalence of obesity is increasing in all countries.

Obesity in children has become a significant health concern, and the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled over the last twenty years.

Data from the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate that nearly a third of children in the general population are overweight or obese.

Autism is associated with abnormal eating habits and sedentary life lead to obesity.

Objective: To determine the frequency of overweight among autistic children, and to study relation to diet, medication, sleep, habitand physical activity.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study included 30 autistic childern from the center of care of children with special need, Ain Shams University.

All children were subjected to a clinical interview derived from AIN SHAMS Sheet ,measuring weight , height, BMI, CARRS and IQ.

All ASD children were subjected to the following: Personal data, Birth History, Dietetic History, Family History, Current and Past Medical Information History, Physical activity & sleep, Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, Anthropometric measurements.

Results: BMI showed that 10 cases of autistic children were overweight with high BMI percentile (P =0.43), they were mild autism.

80.0% of ASD children had normal appetite, (20%) of the children had increased appetite.

Consumption of one unit of fruits represented 53.3%, 2 unit 6.7%.

Consumption of vegetable one unit represented 63.3%, two unit 6.7%.16.7%) was using otomox and (83.3%) were not subjected to drugs.

33.3% was using risperidone and (66.7%) were not subjected.

Conclusion: Autistic children tend to be overweight and obese because of bad eating habit, medication sedentary life.-