PREVALENCE OF A METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG FILIPINO CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS SEEN IN A WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CENTER
Authors: Redondo-Samin, Divina Cristy D., Estolano, Melvin R., Baltazar, Jackielyn B., Pascual, Catherine M., Garde, Jochebel B.
Publisher: Premiere Medical Center, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center
Publication Date: NOVEMBER, -0001
ABSTRACT:
Objectives: The aim of the study is to report the prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome among Filipino children seen in a weight management center in the Philippines.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical nutrition and weight management center in Northern Philippines, among referred patients of both sexes aged 5-17 years. Demographic and clinical data such as dietary intake, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure were measured along with the fasting blood glucose, and lipid levels measurements. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the criteria proposed by International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
Results: A total of 38 children were referred for weight management, of which all were overweight and obese. Based on IDF criteria, the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 34.2%. A history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension in the family was present in 78.9% and a family history of obesity was present in 68.4%. The mean calorie and protein intake from their regular diet for males is 2365 cal. (±894), 105 gm(±48) and for females is 2040 cal. (±783) and 89 gm (±30). Waist circumference ? 90th percentile, high triglyceride level and high blood pressure were the top most common constituent of metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions: These findings pose a growing concern to the future health of these children in a developing country, it is therefore recommended that early interventional programs focused on weight management be properly promoted and fully implemented among health care professionals to prevent chronic diseases of these children in their adulthood.
FACTORS IN THE SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS INTERVENTION AMONG OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE FILIPINO SCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Divina Cristy Redondo-Samin, RND,MD, Melvin Estolano
Publisher: Premiere Medical Center, Nueva Ecija, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Publication Date: JANUARY, 0001
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: In the Philippines, “nutrition transition “ due to socio-economic growth in the urbanized sectors has been identified as a possible risk factor for childhood obesity. An increasing concern now is the risk of detrimental health consequences associated with childhood obesity. In a weight management center in Northern Philippines, we conducted a study that aimed to determine the factors affecting successful weight intervention among overweight and obese children in a medical nutrition and weight management center in Northern Philippines.
Methodology: This descriptive study included patients enrolled in a weight management program in its short-term 3-month intervention period. Factors and challenges which include environment, person, and methods were determined in the achievement of weight loss among overweight and obese Filipino children.
Results: The first 3-months of weight loss intervention showed a good follow-up of patients primarily because of good coordination and communication between the referring primary physician and nutritionist. The success is attributed to an individualized, culture-sensitive, and parent/caregiver-specific approach to nutrition counseling. Another important factor that has been shown to contribute to the successful implementation of medically supervised weight loss diets is allowing the active involvement of children in the decision and readiness to follow the intervention. About 67 % of children who have an active involvement in the program which includes self-accomplishment of a food diary, discussion of the challenges of food choices while in school; open communication with their parents to discuss allowed and to avoid foods and; involvement of parents in the agreed and accepted exercise/physical activity program has shown to contribute to a higher 1.5-2 % weight loss in just two weeks. In terms of unsuccessful weight intervention programs, the main reason is attributed to the passive and less involvement of parents/main caregivers which also led to irregular follow-up.
Conclusion: It was shown that the success of the weight loss intervention in overweight and obese children does not depend only on the program itself but on the active role and involvement of both children and their parents/primary caregivers in the implementation of the program.