Energy Intake, Dietary Habits and Life Style in Obese School Children with Dyslipidemia in the UAE

Abstract

Background: The incidence of obesity in children is increasing. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), childhood overweight and obesity reached up to 25% of the population. In addition, UAE has become one of the highest countries in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Various forms of life style behavior and dietary habits have contributed to obesity and the development of the metabolic syndrome. We aim to study energy intake, dietary habits and life style behavior in obese children with dyslipidemia in the UAE and to examine the extent of metabolic syndrome components in their first degree relatives. Patient & method: School children referred to obesity clinic at our center whose BMI centile above the 97 th and diagnosed with dyslipidemia were approached to enroll in the study. Clinical and dietetic assessment were performed through a diet recall of food intake, consumption of fruits and vegetable, recording of family history of metabolic syndrome components, frequency of exercise, screen watching and breakfast skipping. Results: 63 children were enrolled in the study. Median age (range) was 10 (5-16) years. All children had at least one abnormal variable of dyslipidemia. 51(91%) had a high total cholesterol to HDL ratio, 16 (46%) had high LDL, 9 (16%) had low HDL, 6 (10%) had high triglyceride and 5 (9%) had high total cholesterol. Family history in a parent or a sibling was positive in 46 for obesity, 30 for dyslipidemia, 16 for type 2 diabetes and 27 for cardiovascular disease. There was a statistically-significant difference between the estimated and the recommended calorie intake in both genders. None of the children studied complied with the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. 45 children (80%) did not take breakfast regularly. All consumed high calorie drink on daily basis and only 4 patients (7%) exercised in compliance with guidelines. Conclusion: Obese children with dyslipidemia consume higher calories than recommended and a poor quality diet. They adopt unhealthy life style and have a strong family history of the metabolic syndrome components. Early intervention is required to prevent the likely cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in the future.

Accurate Carbohydrate Counting Is an Important Determinant of Postprandial Glycemia in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes on Insulin Pump Therapy

“…25 In our region, it is popular to consume large amounts of sweetened drinks and high-energy food. 26 However, we have not studied the GI content of the meals described and its correlation with the postprandial glycemia.…”