A HIGHER FAT FREE MASS OF LEFT LEG WAS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AMONG CHINESE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Objective: The relationship between lean body mass (LBM) and Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in children and adolescents remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between LBM and risk of CVRFs among Chinese children and adolescents. Design and method: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1159 children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 underwent a comprehensive assessment of CVRFs, including questionnaire surveys, physical examination, and biochemical tests. Lean body mass analysis was performed with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The number of CVRFs clustering greater than or equal to 1 was defined as CVRFs > = 1. Results: The individuals with CVRFs > = 1 showed higher level for all LBM indexes than those with no CVRFs (CVRFs < 1). The prevalence of CVRFs > = 1 increased, with the level of all LBM indexes increased, all P < 0.001. For example, the prevalence of CVRFs > = 1 increased with the increase of fat free mass (FFM), from 25.3% to 48.1%, P < 0.001. Compared to the lowest LLFFM tertile group, the adjusted OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for CVRFs > = 1 were 7.16 (1.13–45.45) and 5.49 (1.40–21.58) in the second and highest LLFFM tertile group, respectively, after adjusting sex and age. Conclusions: A higher LLFFM was associated with an increased risk of CVRFs among children and adolescents. It is essential for children and adolescents to keep LLFFM at a low level to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and take LBM into account when assessing the risk of CVD.