Association between overweight/obesity and functional constipation in children living at high altitude: a cross-sectional study

Cabrera-Osorio R.; Cárdenas-Cahuana L.; Atauqui-Alarcón E.; Ríos-Villegas K.; Torres-Salinas C. · Gaceta Medica Boliviana (2026) · DOI: 10.47993/gmb.v49i1.1265

Resumen

Objective: Overweight/obesity and functional constipation are prevalent pediatric conditions, yet their potential relationship remains supported by contradictory evidence. In high-altitude settings—where specific biological and environmental factors may play a role—this association has not been sufficiently investigated. This study was designed to determine whether an association exists between these conditions in children from Huancayo, thereby informing context-specific pediatric interventions. Methods: An observational and analytical investigation with a cross-sectional design was carried out. A total of 354 children aged 5 to 12 years were evaluated. Functional constipation was diagnosed using the Rome IV criteria, while overweight and obesity were determined through body mass index (BMI) and categorized according to CDC age-and sex-specific standards. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, and a Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation was employed to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs). Results: Among participants, 24.01% presented overweight/obesity and 19.49% had functional constipation. Significant associations were identified between functional constipation and: family history (PR=4.26), attending a public school (PR=2.59), video game/console use (PR=2.23), and daily hours of use (PR=2.23). Overweight/obesity was also significantly associated with functional constipation (PR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.02–2.45). Conclusions: The results revealed a significant relationship between overweight/obesity and functional constipation in pediatric populations residing at high altitude. Such evidence underscores the importance of developing comprehensive child health strategies adapted to the geographic and sociocultural particularities of the Andean region.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental