Dinesh S. Pashankar

Yale University School of Medicine, USA

Title: Obesity and Inflammatory Bowel disease in children

Biography

Abstract

There is an epidemic of obesity affecting adults and children in the USA and developed countries in the world. Obesity in children is associated with multiple medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver and metabolic syndrome. Over last few years, we have reported a significant association between obesity and gastrointestinal disorders in children. Our first study showed that obese children are more likely to have gastroesophageal reflux symptoms compared to children with normal weight in primary pediatric clinics. In another study we reported higher prevalence of obesity in children with constipation compared to healthy controls. In a prospective study we reported higher prevalence of functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome in obese children compared to normal weight children. In a recent review, we assessed relationship of obesity and gastrointestinal disorders in children. We have observed rising prevalence of obesity in children with inflammatory bowel disease in children and are investigating the relationship.