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Study Shows Childhood Obesity-Related Hospitalizations Almost Doubled
A study published online in Health Affairs finds that the number of hospitalizations among children ages 2 to 19 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of obesity nearly doubled from 21,743 in 1999 to 42,429 in 2005, even though obesity prevalence held relatively steady during that time, USA Today reports. For the analysis, researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine examined data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, finding that obesity-related hospitalizations rose by 8.8 percent annually among ages 2 to 5, by 10.4 percent annually among ages 6 to 11, and by 11.4 percent annually among ages 12 to 19. The data showed a statistically significant increase in the number of obesity-related hospitalizations for several conditions, including asthma, diabetes, pneumonia, appendicitis, and skin and subcutaneous tissue infections. Examining the economic consequence of childhood obesity, the researchers found that costs for children with obesity-related hospitalizations rose to $237.6 million in 2005, an increase from $125.9 million in 2001, measured in 2005 dollars. Commenting on the findings, the researchers advise interpreting the results "with caution," given that the analysis relied on physician and provider diagnoses of obesity, which are "a product of clinical judgment and reimbursement by hospital payers and [are] subject to inaccuracy." They also speculate that some of the increase in hospitalizations could stem from increased recognition of the condition, rather than acceleration in obesity's contribution to other medical conditions. Still, the study "suggests that obesity has a much more immediate impact on the health of children, especially adolescents, than previously understood," and the authors call for additional federal support of programs to reduce obesity and its social and economic costs (Hellmich, USA Today, 7/9/09; Cooney, Boston Globe, 7/7/09 [registration required]; Health Affairs release, 7/9/09; Trasande et al., Health Affairs, 7/9/09).