Vanderbilt Childhood Obesity Registry

Obesity is an epidemic effecting the pediatric population. Currently, 17% of children are
classified as obese and 32% as overweight. Many of these children develop complications
including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and hepatic steatosis. Obesity is a
global epidemic that lacks effective treatment options. Obesity has many underlying causes
including genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Understanding the genetic basis
of obesity may allow for more precisely targeted interventions including specific dietary
plans and pharmacologic treatments. The most common cause of genetic obesity is
haploinsufficiency of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). In obese adult cohorts, the
prevalence of pathogenic MC4R mutations is 1-2%. Commercial testing is available for many
obesity syndromes, but the cost is high and charges are not always covered by insurance.
Clinicians have little motivation to test patients for MC4R mutations as no treatments are
available and it is not clear if genetic testing results change patient behavior. This
particular lab and other groups are working to develop novel pharmacologic treatments for
obesity syndromes, such as MC4R deficiency. In order to better understand early onset obesity
and to identify patients in interested in future research studies, including clinical trials,
the investigators aim to develop a registry for patients with early onset obesity.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. BMI >97th percentile for age and gender before 6 years old

2. Able to give written, informed consent/assent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome

2. Use of exogenous steroids or other medications known to cause abnormal weight gain

3. Cushing's syndrome, untreated growth hormone deficiency or untreated hypothyroidism as
an etiology for the obesity

4. Hypothalamic obesity (obesity due to a brain tumor, head trauma or other brain lesion)

5. Currently pregnant