Assessment of liver function tests and bioelectrical impedence body fat analysis in obese adolescents

Abstract

The worldwide prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has increased dramatically in the past four decades. The consequences of pediatric obesity are evident as it is associated with both impaired metabolic health psychosocial boundaries, and premature mortality. The objectives of the study include a) To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents, b) To estimate liver function tests among adolescents and c) To compare liver function tests (total bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, total protein and albumin) in obese and normal adolescents. At baseline, pre-designed questionnaire was used to note down the demographic characteristics age, gender, residential address, telephone number and time spent in physical activity in hours. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, height, mid upper arm circumference. In the present study, we included 100 Adolescents aged between 13-17 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were estimated. We found that the prevalence of overweight and obesity (based on BMI) among adolescents were 16% and 8% respectively. We also evaluated liver function tests in these subjects, we found significantly elevated ALT, ALP and GGT in obese adolescents as compared non-obese adolescents.