In 2016, the medical records of 48,762 American kids with autism spectrum were reviewed, which revealed the prevalence of obesity and obesity-linked diseases. While many were with high cholesterol levels, others were afflicted with chronic hypertension and fatty liver disease. At that time, Carol Curtin, an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Massachusetts said they have not been able to conduct studies that tell if there are unique factors present, or if the kids were susceptible to what is called the “obesogenic environment.”
A 2018 research performed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had established that currently, almost one-third of children with ASD are already severely overweight.
New Study Reveals Developmental Delays Also Increase Obesity Risks in Autism Spectrum Disorder
While the term “obesogenic environment” refers to the impact of environmental factors on nutrition and physical activity, a new study revealed that developmental delays also increase the risks of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in becoming obese.
The new study involved the participation of about 2,500 children between ages 2 and 5 years-old, all living in the US. The group of participants comprised 668 with ASD; 914 with developmental delays and a “control group” of 884 kids with neither ASD nor developmental delay. The study concluded with the findings that although children growing up with severe ASD have higher risks of becoming obese when compared to children diagnosed with developmental delays, the latter group is also at risk of becoming obese.
According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Susan Levy, the findings made clear the importance of monitoring excess weight gain in children at an early age. Dr. Levy, who is also the Medical Director of Philadelphia Children Hospital’s Center for Autism Research, emphasized the criticality of expanding prevention efforts to those with developmental delays and not only among children with the autism spectrum.
Parents Encounter Difficulty in Managing the Eating Behaviors of Autistic Children
While environmental factors can increase the risks of obesity among kids with ASD and with developmental delays, parents are advised to limit the availability, as well as the consumption of non-healthy foodstuff in children with ASD. Additionally, they should also keep track of the level of involvement in physical activities.
Apparently, parents of children with ASD are finding it difficult to make their kids develop healthy eating habits and engage in sports activities. The information provided in this article is not meant to suggest diagnosis and treatment for weight loss, as nothing can replace personal consultation with the right medical professionals being the appropriate step to take.
While some parents are tempted to give their ASD-afflicted child with a natural plant-based weight loss supplement to help reduce excessive weight, this should not be done without proper consultation.
As an example, the popular brand among obese adults called the Modere Trim, is not likely to work, even if the brand claims to be an award-winning product. Honest unbiased Modere Trim reviews revealed that the manufacturer received recognition for the efficiency of its anti-ageing formula and not for its proprietary weight loss ingredient.