Definable Somatic Disorders in Overweight Children and Adolescents

Objective To analyze the frequencies and clinical presentation of definable somatic disorders in children who are overweight. Study design We assessed prospectively 1405 children aged 4 to 16 years who were overweight and came to our specialized clinic for endocrinology and obesity with a standardized diagnostic procedure. In a subgroup of 223 children, we sought mutations in the melanocortin-4-receptor gene (MC4R). Results Endocrine or syndromal disorders were diagnosed in 13 children ( Conclusions In contrast to MC4R mutations, endocrine and clinically identifiable syndromal disorders were rare in children who were overweight and always associated with further symptoms. All children who are overweight with short stature or reduced growth velocity should be carefully examined for endocrine or syndromal disorders. A general screening with laboratory measurements cannot be recommended because thyrotropin and cortisol levels are frequently moderately elevated in children who are overweight, thus entailing further superfluous diagnostic procedures.