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Abstract
Aim Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) represent chronic gastrointestinal disorders with implications for the gut-brain axis. At the same time, they seem to manifest themselves mainly where there is an imbalance in the body, as occurs in obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate FGID in children with obesity.
Material and Method The study was cross-sectional and enrolled 86 children aged between 6–14 years. They were divided into two groups according to BMI < 85th percentile normal weight-control group and > -95th percentile obese-study group. The diagnosis of FGID was based on the ROME IV criteria. The data obtained were sex, age and environment of origin. The patients were selected and evaluated during the year 2023 in the SCJU Craiova Department of Pediatrics.
Results Obesity was found in the case of 69.8% (n=60), the control group represented 30.2% (n=26). In the obese group, the majority were male 68.3% (n=41) with urban origin 63.3% (n= 38), data also identified in the control group male sex 65.4% (n=17), urban origin 61.5% (n= 16). Regarding FGID in the group with obesity, they were present in 88.3% (n=53) of cases, a statistically significant correlated aspect (p<0.01). Of these, 35% (n=21) had functional constipation, 30% (n=18) dyspepsia, 15% (n=9) irritable bowels and 8.3% (n=5) abdominal migraine. In the control group, we identified 30.8% (n=8) of patients with FGID, 11.5% (n=3) had functional constipation, 7.7% (n=2) dyspepsia, 7.7% (n=2) irritable bowels and 3.8% (n=1) abdominal migraine (figure 1). Functional constipation and dyspepsia were more frequently in obese children than in the control group (p=0.26, p=0.25).
Association between obesity and functional gastrointestinal disorders in children.
Conclusions FGID should be considered in obese children with symptoms involving recurrent abdominal pain. Obesity can represent a risk factor for FGDI, an aspect that requires a thorough investigation of those two entities.