ABSTRACT
SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Given how dramatically the pandemic has affected food systems, the economy, and the daily lives of children over the past 2 years, the potential impact of the pandemic on childhood obesity requires careful investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in body mass index z-score in 3-year-old children and the inducing factors during the pandemic period. METHODS: The body mass index z-scores of all children participating in the study were calculated at the beginning of the pandemic (3-year-old body mass index z-score) and in its second year (5-year-old body mass index z-score). RESULTS: This study, conducted during the 2-year pandemic period, found a strong association between the body mass index z-scores of children aged 3 and 5 years. The mean body mass index z-score increased between these time points for both boys and girls (p=0.013; p=0.034). In two different linear regression models created for the change in body mass index z score, gestational weight gain was found to be related. The regression coefficients (95% confidence intervals) and corresponding p-values were 0.580 (0.217-0.944) and p=0.002 for model 1, whereas they were 0.585 (0.217-0.961) and p=0.002 for model 2. CONCLUSION: This study showed an increase in body mass index z-scores in early childhood period during the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent this increase, new strategies should be developed by considering the changes brought by the pandemic period.
ABSTRACT
SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of orlistat use on metabolic control and weight loss in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. METHODS: A total of 119 patients with body mass index≥40 kg/m2 and receiving orlistat therapy, who applied to the Endocrinology polyclinic between January 2016 and October 2019, were included. The patients' weight changes and biochemical values (i.e., fasting glucose, HbA1c, ALT, creatinine, and lipid parameters) were evaluated at the drug beginning and the last polyclinic control. The patients were divided into groups, whether they had diabetes or used metformin, and compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the 119 patients in the study was 45.3±11.5 years. A total of 94.1% of the patients were females and 5.9% were males. A total of 38.7% of the patients had diabetes and 29.4% had prediabetes. When the patients were compared to whether they had diabetes or used metformin, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups according to weight loss. The mean weight change of patients without diabetes and receiving metformin and orlistat was statistically significantly higher than that of patients with diabetes and receiving metformin and orlistat. DISCUSSION: It was determined that the weight loss effect of orlistat in obesity was seen in all groups, but this effect decreased in the diabetic group.