Obesity and Weight Concerns in Children with Special Needs in a Developing Country

Objective To investigate weight concerns in children with special needs. Methods Data from an established patient database on Microsoft Excel for a local community paediatric service was analysed September 2015 to August 2016. Patient diagnoses were categorised as follows: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum (ASD), Learning Difficulty (LD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Trisomy 21 (T 21) Other syndromes. The proportions of these being overweight/obese, underweight, having eating problems, requiring dietician services behavioural problems recorded. Odds ratios calculated comparing subgroups. Results One thousand seventeen (1017) patients attended the clinics; Seven hundred seventy one (771) male. Fifteen point four percent (15.4%, 157) had concerns, 9.3% (95) overweight or obese 6.1% (62) underweight. Five (5.1%, 52) experienced problems. nine (7.9%,80) accessed behavioral noted 8.8% (90) patients. Regarding ASD, odds lower compared rest group; 3.7% (15) obese. For ADHD, 15% (13) Amongst Difficulty, 17.5% (44) CP higher underweight group (14.9% underweight). other syndromes, 17% (5) Conclusion International data indicates that needs have high rates obesity. This study also shows significant proportion are at risk Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease diabetes. Strategies implemented locally address NCDs must give emphasis Keywords: Obesity, Special Needs, Children