Prevalence of comorbid conditions pre-existing and diagnosed at a tertiary care pediatric weight management clinic.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity places individuals at risk for a multitude of physical and mental health problems. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of obesity related comorbidities diagnosed prior to and after attending a tertiary care pediatric weight management clinic.

METHODS: A cross sectional retrospective chart review of patients 2-17 years old seen in the weight management clinic at Alberta Children's Hospital from May 2012 to May 2014.

RESULTS: A total of 199 patients were included in the review. Comorbidity prevalences were: hypertension 6 (3%), prediabetes 11 (5.5%), type 2 diabetes 3 (1.5%), dyslipidemia 105 (52.8%), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 31 (15.6%), asthma 45 (22.6%), obstructive sleep apnea 21 (10.6%), and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) 9 (12% of females ≥10 years at the first visit). Concerns related to depression and anxiety were present in 20 (10.1%) and 25 (12.6%) patients respectively. The majority of comorbidities were identified prior to joining the clinic. Conditions requiring more specialized tests, such as diabetes and PCOS, were more commonly identified after joining the clinic.

CONCLUSIONS: These results give further insight into the prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities in overweight and obese children and adolescents, and demonstrate the importance of screening for these known comorbidities. It is important to have the resources and an experienced multi-disciplinary team to follow children and their families through treatment.