Functional bowel disorders and obesity in children: State of the problem

Abstract

Obesity and functional bowel disorders (FBDs) are often observed in children and have common risk factors. The present review aimed to summarize the published data on the association between obesity and FBDs in children and a discussion of possible pathophysiological mechanisms that may be involved. Published data indicates that obesity and FBDs could be associated conditions. There is substantial evidence that obesity in children is associated with constipation. However, it should be noted that there were few studies in this direction, and those studies were heterogeneous in both the composition of participants and studied diagnostic criteria, and in the majority of cases, they were not adjusted for potential confounders. The association between obesity and FBDs can be explored through diet, peculiarities of eating behavior, and psychological factors. The most promising direction in the study could be the study of the gut microbiota, the changes in which can contribute to the development of immune dysfunctions of the bowel, chronic low-grade inflammation, increased colonic permeability, motility disturbances, and visceral hypersensitivity. The studies in this area can provide important data for developing a strategy of treatment and prevention of both groups of diseases.