Presenter: Mary Elizabeth Gomez, MD
Resident, University of Texas Medical Branch, Pediatrics
Faculty Mentor: Andrea M. Glaser, MD
Contributing Authors: Alex E. Wright BS, Claire B. Cummins MD MBA, David Rassin PhD, Kanika Bowen-Jallow MD MMS, Andrea M. Glaser, MD
POSTER ABSTRACT (View Poster PDF)
Background: The childhood obesity epidemic has countless long-term detrimental effects. The goal of this study was to determine the average age at onset of obesity (AOO) in order to better plan future interventions. Secondary goal of this study was to determine if AOO has an impact on the presence of abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hepatomegaly and fatty liver.
Methods: Retrospective chart review completed from pediatric patients seen in Adolescent Weight Loss Clinic (AWLC). Mean AOO was determined. Then, data was stratified into groups based on life stage at AOO (preschool, school age, and teen). This was done to determine best prevention and intervention strategies later. Data analysis utilized Excel and SPSS. Results: Sample size 52 participants based on inclusion criteria. Mean AOO was 6 years old (yo) and ranged from 2 to 17 yo. Stratification into groups based on life stage revealed most adolescents became obese prior to age 5 (48%) with school age a close second (42%). When comparing mean ALT, presence of hepatomegaly, and presence of fatty liver, there was no statistically significant difference between life stages (chi sq 3.6, 2.9, and 0.8 respectively).
Conclusion: Based on results, it is important to intervene as early as 2 yo based on AOO range, but particularly as early as 6 yo noted by the mean AOO. Larger sample size is needed to determine if a statistically significant relationship between AOO and abnormal ALT, hepatomegaly, or fatty liver exists.
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