Over weight, obesity and metabolic syndrome in a semi urban adolescent population in Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Overweight and Obesity are becoming increasingly common in developing countries with the attendant health risks associated with these conditions including Metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome in a population of adolescents living in a semi urban area and the relationship between the weights of these children and the various components of the metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty-five adolescents aged 10-17 years were selected via a multistage random sampling technique. Sociodemographic data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric indices were measured using standard tools. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the International Obesity Task Force criteria while metabolic syndrome was defined using the International Diabetes Foundation criteria. Blood samples were taken for Fasting blood sugar, serum Triglycerides and High-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Results: The prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome were 1.94%, 0%, and 1.94% respectively. Weight showed a significant positive correlation with the study participants’ waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures but not with serum triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting blood glucose levels. Abdominal obesity and hyperglycaemia werealso significantly associated with Metabolic syndrome. Conclusion:The prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome was very low in the population studied however, weight demonstrated a significant positive correlation with some components of the metabolic syndrome.