Abstract
BackgroundBody fat is related to changes in lipid profile, blood pressure and metabolism of insulin and glucose, known as the metabolic syndrome (MS). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components among overweight and obese Portuguese schoolchildren, and to identify associated clinical and biochemical characteristics.MethodsA total of 82 children (14 overweight and 68 obese; 40 boys and 42 girls) aged 7-9 years, underwent anthropometric measurements. A blood sample was obtained to assess biochemical parameters. Insulin resistance (IR) was determined by the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). MS was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria modified by Cook.ResultsThe prevalence of MS was 15.8%. Abdominal obesity was present in all children. Frequency of elevated blood pressure, low HDL-cholesterol and elevated triglyceride concentrations were 62.6%, 13.4% and 11.0%, respectively. None of the children presented impaired fasting glucose, however hyperinsulinemia (7.3%) and IR (8.5%) were observed. The number of components of MS was higher in children with higher z-BMI (ρ = 0.411; p < 0.001). MS was associated with higher leptin concentrations. No association was found with adiponectin or ghrelin levels. Leptin correlated positively with obesity, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, hepatic function and C-reactive protein, and negatively with HDL and Apolipoprotein A-I/B ratio.ConclusionsThis study shows a significant prevalence of MS among obese schoolchildren. Abdominal obesity and elevated blood pressure were the most frequent components of this syndrome. Dyslipidemia, IR and high levels of leptin were also associated with MS in this young group.
Highlights
Body fat is related to changes in lipid profile, blood pressure and metabolism of insulin and glucose, known as the metabolic syndrome (MS)
A statistical significant difference between genders was found for height, z-IMC, waist circumference (WC) and the presence of acanthosis, with boys presenting higher values
Our results showed a significant prevalence of MS and its cardiometabolic complications in Portuguese obese schoolchildren
Summary
Body fat is related to changes in lipid profile, blood pressure and metabolism of insulin and glucose, known as the metabolic syndrome (MS). In Portugal, in a nationwide study, the prevalence of excess weight in 7-9 year-old children was 31.5% [3]. This is similar to what we found in a previous local study of 920 children from Aveiro (28%) [4]. The coexistence of obesity and metabolic disorders such as hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, hypertension, high serum levels of triglycerides (TG) and decreased levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), is known as metabolic syndrome (MS) [5]. The recognition of MS in obese children, who have not yet developed cardiometabolic disorders, is of great importance from a clinical and public health perspective [15]
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