Obese children are at higher risk for spinal problems and back pain, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in New York City.

Researchers examined MRIs of 188 young people, ages 12 to 20, who had back pain. About 56 percent of these youth had some lumbar spine abnormalities.

The researchers proceeded to calculate the age-adjusted BMI (body mass index) for 106 of the participants; 54 of these had a BMI higher than the 75th percentile for their age. Of those above the 75th percentile BMI by age, 37 had abnormal spinal MRIs. By contrast, all young people at or below healthy weight had normal MRI results.

Dr. Judah Burns, a fellow in neuroradiology at the Children's Hospital, said in a news release, "These results demonstrate a strong relationship between increased BMI in the pediatric population and the incidence of lumbar disc disease."

(Source: health.usnews.com)

Labels: childhood-obesity

Posted By: Aspen Education Group