Unhealthy lifestyle found to be less often the cause of severe obesity in children

Three hospitals work together at the Centre for a Healthy Weight: Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland and Maasstad Hospital. The researchers have published their findings in the medical scientific journal PLOS One.

The researchers found medical causes for the excess weight in 19 percent of the children with severe obesity included in the study. It had always been assumed that this was the case for around 2 to 5 percent.

The conditions ranged from rare genetic abnormalities to medication use or previously sustained brain damage. “In all these children, the systems that regulate hunger and calorie burning are malfunctioning. So they are extremely hungry – more than we could ever imagine – and they also burn food less quickly,” physician-researcher Lotte Kleinendorst of Erasmus MC explained to NOS.

According to the scientists involved, this is the first time that a group of children with severe obesity has been examined so carefully and extensively. The researchers conducted everything from DNA tests and hormone measurements in the blood to fitness tests with the paediatric physiotherapist and measurements of calorie burning with the paediatric dietitian.

In addition, the researchers had access to a relatively large study group because, in the Netherlands, children who are overweight are referred to a doctor earlier than in other countries, Kleinendorst says. “Abroad, they are more often simply told that they need to live a healthier lifestyle.”

Relief among parents

Almost 16 percent of Dutch children and young people are overweight. Around 18,000 children have severe obesity. The scientists most often found a genetic abnormality in children who had already developed obesity before starting primary school.

According to Kleinendorst, the parents of children in whom such an abnormality was found were mainly relieved. “They can now better explain what is going on and can therefore also tell, for example, their grandpa or grandma that even that one piece of candy should not be given.”

She is continuing her research. For example, she would like to find out exactly when the children become overweight. Because the sooner it is discovered that their excess weight is not due to an unhealthy lifestyle, the better the treatment.