PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
The occurrence of overweight and obesity among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become a worldwide epidemic. However, there is limited research on this topic in the Lebanese population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the differences in anthropometric measurements and body composition variables among Lebanese children, pre-adolescents, and adolescents diagnosed with ASD in contrast to typically developing peers across various developmental stages. Additionally, it aimed to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity within this population. A total of 86 participants with ASD and 86 controls were involved in this case-control study, conducted between June 2022 and June 2023. Anthropometric measurements and body composition variables were assessed, followed by statistical analyses to examine the differences between these two groups. The results revealed a significantly higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among individuals with ASD, particularly evident during childhood and pre-adolescence. Additionally, this group exhibited a higher body fat mass and total body fat percentage compared to controls. However, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups during adolescence. These findings emphasize the significance of monitoring and addressing weight status in individuals with ASD to improve their overall health outcomes. Future research directions could focus on investigating the underlying mechanisms contributing to the heightened prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and well-being.
摘要：
自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）患者中超重和肥胖的发生已成为全球流行。然而,黎巴嫩人口对这一主题的研究有限。因此,这项研究旨在评估黎巴嫩儿童在人体测量和身体成分变量方面的差异，青春期前，与不同发育阶段的典型发展中同龄人相比，被诊断患有ASD的青少年。此外,它旨在调查该人群中超重和肥胖的患病率。共有86名ASD患者和86名对照者参与了这项病例对照研究。在2022年6月至2023年6月期间进行。人体测量和身体成分变量进行了评估，随后进行统计分析,以检查这两组之间的差异.结果显示，ASD患者超重和肥胖的患病率明显更高，在童年和青春期前尤其明显。此外,与对照组相比，该组表现出更高的体脂质量和总体脂百分比。然而,两组在青春期没有显著差异.这些发现强调了监测和解决ASD患者体重状况以改善其整体健康结果的重要性。未来的研究方向可以集中在调查导致该人群超重和肥胖患病率升高的潜在机制。最终提高他们的生活质量和福祉。
