The Evaluation of Factors Believed to Contribute to Obesity in Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Survivors

Abstract

Background. Obesity rates for pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) survivors vary from 11% to 57%. Researching dietary behaviors may identify dietary risks leading to obesity and opportunities for intervention. Objective. To evaluate the relationship between caloric and macronutrient intake on the incidence of obesity in pediatric ALL. Design/setting/participants. Retrospectively reviewed data of 142 participants was examined. Participants were grouped into categories based on body mass index (BMI) for adults and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts for children. Twenty-four-hour food recall records were reviewed to assess dietary intake. Confounding factors and caloric/macronutrient intake were compared across obesity classes. Main outcome measurements. Macronutrient levels were compared between groups. Descriptive data examined. BMI at enrollment on BONEII, age at diagnosis, ethnicity, gender, corticosteroid use, cranial radiation therapy, and standard/high risk. ALL group. Results. Thirty-nine percent of participants were overweight/obese. ALL survivors who consumed a higher percentage of their calories from protein were more likely to be underweight/normal weight while participants who consumed more calories and total carbohydrates were more likely to be overweight/obese. There was no relationship with the other factors examined. Conclusion. Dietary interventions should be designed to ensure patients consume adequate amounts of protein while limiting portion sizes and carbohydrate-based snacks.