BODY MASS INDEX IN CELIAC CHILDREN BEFORE AND DURING GLUTEN FREE DIET

Gluten free diet (GFD) is hypothesized to be a predisposing factor for overweight and obesity in celiac children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of GFD in celiac patients. BMI was calculated for each patient at diagnosis, after one year of GFD and at the last follow-up (median: 45 months after diagnosis) and compared to Italian percentiles. We evaluated current diet and physical activity by mean of a questionnaire. Results: We studied 64 children (42 females), median age 10 years, following a GFD since at least one year from diagnosis. At diagnosis of celiac disease: 55 children had normal BMI (86%) 3 (5%) were overweight and one (2%) was obese. After one year of GFD: 56 (87%) had normal BMI, 4 ( 6%) were overweight and one (2%) was obese. At the last follow-up examination: 55 (86%) had normal BMI and 3 (5%) were overweight. Eighty-one percent practiced physical activity regularly and 89% had breakfast. Fruits and vegetables were part of the everyday diet of respectively 66% and 58% of the subjects. Sodas were consumed by 41% of children at least once a week. Conclusions: All along during the follow up on GFD there was not any increase of BMI in the children studied. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was lower than in the general pediatric population in Italy. Our results suggest that GFD do not seem to increase the risk of overweight in celiac children in a median term follow-up