1081 Management and Prevalence of Obesity in Bosnian Children

Background-aims: Childhood obesity is often the result of an interplay between many genetic and environmental factors. Obese children can develop serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, often carrying these conditions into an obese adulthood. Obese children become targets of early and systematic discrimination. Methods: We retrospectively examined the medical charts of all children who were between the ages of three and twelve years and presented to the physicians with pediatrician-diagnosed obesity in calendar years 2008-2009. For laboratory and radiographic evaluations of childhood obesity, the degree of investigation depends on the BMI, physical and historical findings, and the presence of risk factors. Results: The prevalence of obesity in children has steadily risen during recent years in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our reports have reached epidemic levels, with approximately 14 percent of Bosnian children in these ages. The 2008-2009 Children Risk and Obesity Survey for Canton Sarajevo revealed that although 12.5 % of Bosnian girls were overweight or obese, 16.5% of Bosnian boys and 6% of Bosnian Gypsies were overweight or obese. There were not significant differencies between other Bosnians national groups Bosniacs, Croats and Serbian children. Conclusions: The incidence of childhood obesity has increased dramatically, including severe childhood obesity and obesity-related comorbid conditions. Treatment for children who are overweight or obese seems easy, that is, just counsel children and their families to eat less and to exercise more. Overweight children and adolescents are at risk for significant health problems both during their youth and as adults.