Prevalence of under and over weight in children with neurodisability, using body composition measures

We aimed to compare rates of under and overweight in children with different neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) by measuring weight, height/length, arm-to-leg bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and subscapular and triceps skinfolds in 146 children aged 4–16 years attending special schools. Z scores were calculated and skinfolds and lean mass Z scores were further adjusted for height. Underweight was found in 9% (14) children (body mass index (BMI) 95th centile. Children with cerebral palsy were very short with low BMI and lean mass, but only 8% (3) had skinfolds 95th centile. We conclude that overweight and raised body fat is now common in children with NDD, even when the BMI is low.