Femi Balogun
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, National and Specialist CAMHS, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust,
London
Review Article
Prevalence and Correlates of Obesity in Childhood Autism Spectrum
Disorders: A Literature Review
Author(s): Femi Balogun
Femi Balogun
Background: It has been suggested that obesity and overweight in young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a challenge to conventional weight reduction measures leading to poorer health outcomes in this population in comparison with typically developing children. In order to effectively adapt current obesity management guidelines for use in children with ASD more needs to be understood about the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the associated factors in this population. Aim: The purpose of this review is to appraise the evidence on obesity and overweight prevalence in the childhood ASD population from relevant studies selected using a computer generated database. The review explores the link between age, gender, physical activity and obesity in childhood ASD; and highlights areas for further research. The link between antipsychotic treatment and weight gain in .. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2378-5756.1000385