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Overweight and Obesity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a Critical Review Investigating the Etiology, Development, and Maintenance of this Relationship

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Abstract

Pediatric obesity is associated with negative health and psychosocial consequences. However, obesity may not uniformly affect all populations. Limited research has investigated the factors that contribute to the incidence and persistence of overweight and obesity among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review systematically examined the prevalence rate of overweight and obesity among children with ASD. The majority of studies suggest that children with ASD may be at a greater risk for excess weight gain compared to typically developing peers. Additionally, this review investigated potential contributing factors to the etiology and maintenance of obesity within this population. Research should continue to investigate excess weight gain in this population in order to adapt weight loss interventions for children with ASD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego, 6363 Alvarado Court, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA

    Brittany E. Matheson & Jennifer M. Douglas

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite C-203, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA

    Brittany E. Matheson

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

    Jennifer M. Douglas

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Matheson, B.E., Douglas, J.M. Overweight and Obesity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a Critical Review Investigating the Etiology, Development, and Maintenance of this Relationship. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 4, 142–156 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-017-0103-7

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