BODY COMPSOTION AND DIETYARY INTAKES IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY ACCORDING TO OBESITY DEGREE

The major obstacles to the development of children with cerebral palsy (CP) are related with inadequate nutrient intake. This study aims to reveal meal‐related factors affecting nutritional status and development of CP by conducting and evaluating surveys on dietary intake of children with cerebral palsy considering obesity degree. This study conducts a survey of 16 children with cerebral palsy. The children are categorized into underweight group, normal weight group, and obesity group. The general characteristics and motor disturbance were evaluated by specialist in rehabilitation. The body composition was measured by bioimpedance method. The feeding disturbance, eating habits, dietary intake, and intake patterns by foods were examined by registered dietitian. The underweight children with CP had higher degree of motor disturbance and feeding disturbance (p<0.05). The percentage of body fat were 12.5%, 32.1%, and 44.5% in underweight, normal, and obese CP children, respectively (p<0.05). The visceral fat were 28.0cm 2 , 36.4 cm 2 , and 75.5 cm 2 in underweight, normal, and obese CP children, respectively (p<0.05). In the eating habits, the underweight children with CP had unbalanced meals, and those in obesity group tend to have larger and faster intake meals. The obese CP children had eating problems such as overeating and unbalanced diet (p<0.05). The intake amounts of magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium were deficient in CP children. Our result suggested that obesity degree affected disability, body composition, and dietary intakes in children with CP. It is necessary to emphasize the adequate dietary intake and nutrients (magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium) in CP children, especially in underweight children with CP. The obese children with CP had severe abdominal obesity, and were needed change of eating habits.