Obesity Prevention for Individuals with Spina Bifida

Abstract

Specific variables related to obesity and spina bifida include individual factors (i.e., body composition and measurement issues, energy needs, eating patterns, physical activity, and sedentary activity) family factors (i.e., parenting/family, peers), community factors (i.e., culture, built environment, healthcare and healthcare providers, and school), and societal factors (i.e., policy issues). Due to the complex etiology of obesity and its increased prevalence in individuals with spina bifida, it is critical to initiate prevention efforts early with a multifactorial approach for this at-risk population. Increased research is warranted to support these efforts.

Body composition and energy expenditure in a population of children and adolescents with myelomeningocele

“…8 In turn, a correlation was established between absolute LM by impedance analysis and arm circumference and skinfold equations, so both measurements would be adequate to assess body composition alterations in these patients. Grogan et al 25 found 50% less LM in children with myelomeningocele compared to controls.…”

“…Obesity may lead to worsening of comorbidities, such as restricted ability to move about, pressure ulcers, and a lower level of autonomy, compromising the quality of life, 6 and metabolic consequences, such as insulin resistance (IR), carbohydrate i n t o l e r a n c e , d i a b e t e s m e l l i t u s , fatty liver, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension (HTN), obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and increased cardiovascular risk, among others. 7,8 B e c a u s e o f t h e o r t h o p e d i c pathology described above, it is difficult to make accurate measures …”

Composición corporal y gasto energético en población de niños y adolescentes con mielomeningocele

“…Todos aceptaron participar. La edad media fue de 8,1 años (0, [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]6 20,5 ± 8,9, respectivamente). También se encontró alta correlación (r 2 0,81) entre MM absoluta por impedanciometría y la calculada con perímetro braquial y pliegues cutáneos (20,1 ± 11,5 vs. 17,2 ± 4,9, respectivamente).…”

“…8 A su vez, se encontró correlación entre MM absoluta con impedanciometría y fórmula por perímetro braquial y pliegues cutáneos, por lo que ambas serían medidas apropiadas para evaluar la alteración de la composición corporal en estos pacientes. Grogan et al 25 encontraron 50% menos de MM en niños con mielomeningocele vs. controles.…”

“…Esto último, incluso, a pesar de presentar similar %MG entre ambas poblaciones. Polfuss et al, 8 recientemente, publicaron una revisión en la que analizaron la bibliografía hasta la actualidad sobre gasto energético en pacientes con mielomeningocele. Los tres estudios que lo analizan coinciden en que el gasto energético es menor que el esperado.…”