The relationship between functional constipation and overweight/obesity in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundStudies have reported the relationship between functional constipation and obesity in pediatric population. However, the results are contradictory. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible association between these two disorders in pediatric population.MethodsFour databases including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched until 30 September 2022. The review was done in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022328992)ResultsNine studies met the eligibility criteria, including 7444 participants. Studies showed the risk of obesity was significantly increased in boys with functional constipation (CI: 1.12, 3.07; P = 0.016). Such an association was also observed in girls (CI: 1.42-4.47; P = 0.00). A statistically significant association was observed between overweight/obesity and increased risk of functional constipation in children and adolescents (CI: 1.14-3.97; P = 0.02). Especially in developed countries (CI: 1.49-3.46; P = 0.00); however, no significant association was observed in developing countries (CI: 0.81-5.3; P = 0.13).ConclusionsThere is a risk of obesity in either boys or girls with functional constipation. An association exists between the risk of functional constipation and children/adolescents with obesity, especially in developed countries, but not in developing countries.ImpactOur study encourages further research in this field because early detection and intervention are crucial for both functional constipation and overweight/obesity in children, to better identify its complex biology and possibly optimize the treatment approaches.