The importance of considering neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood obesity care

Abstract

Aims: To explore neurodevelopmental disorders and problems, cognitive functioning, psychiatric conditions, and family factors in children with obesity. Additionally, Paper IV explored condition-specific coping and its related stressors in children with obesity from a qualitative parental perspective. Method: Quantitative methods were used in three of the studies. Patient data were obtained from tests, questionnaires and collected from medical records. One study used qualitative design, analysed with manifest content analysis. Results: More than half of the children with obesity had confirmed neurodevelopmental diagnosis, and around one third of previously undiagnosed children were diagnosed with ADHD after screening. Children with neurodevelopmental comorbidity showed lower cognitive test scores, elevated psychiatric symptoms and a higher risk of overlapping neurodevelopmental problems. Neurodevelopmental problems in children with obesity were common, even in children without neurodevelopmental disorders. We identified seven stressors based on parents’ descriptions of their children, spanning obesity treatment, medical settings and family interactions related to their child’s health condition. Various coping strategies were reported, but statements reflecting passive coping were common. Conclusions: Neurodevelopmental disorders and problems are common in children with obesity and require clinical attention to enable adequate support. A coping framework in paediatric obesity care may help promote active coping. Active coping has been associated with better health outcomes in other paediatric chronic conditions.