Normal Weight Boys Research Articles

Growth in height and its association with overweight and obesity in Mexican children: an evaluation based on a nationally representative sample (ENSANUT 2018).

Chronological age and height records (7,097 boys and 6,167 girls) were obtained from the Mexican National Survey of Health and Nutrition database. Height growth curves were fitted using the Preece-Baines 1 (PB1) model and the LMS method. Age at peak height velocity (APHV) was 12.4 and 12.7 years for overweight-obese and normal-weight boys, respectively, and was 9.6 and 10.4 years for overweight-obese and normal-weight girls, respectively. Growth velocity was higher at the age of take-off (TO) in overweight-obese children than in normal-weight children (5.2 cm/year vs. 5 cm/year in boys and 6.1 cm/year vs. 5.6 cm/year in girls); nevertheless, the growth velocity at APHV was higher for normal-weight children than for overweight-obese children (7.4 cm/year vs. 6.6 cm/year in boys and 6.8 cm/year vs. 6.6 cm/year in girls, respectively). Distance curves developed in the present study and by the World Health Organization (WHO) using LMS showed similar values for L and S parameters and a higher M value compared with the WHO reference values. This study concluded that overweight-obese children had earlier APHV and lower PHV than normal-weight children. Furthermore, Mexican children and adolescents were shorter than the WHO growth reference by age and sex.

Relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and insulin resistance in excess-weight Latin children.

Excess weight, inflammation, and insulin resistance (IR) are associated, but the prevalence of and biomarkers for IR in Latin children are unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IR in prepubertal and pubertal Latin children with excess weight and explore the usefulness of different biomarkers of low-grade inflammation for identifying IR status. Sixty-eight children (31 boys, 37 girls; approximately 11 years of age) with excess weight (overweight and obese) and 20 healthy normal-weight children (12 boys, 8 girls; approximately 12 years of age) were included. Anthropometric parameters, insulin, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and myeloperoxidase were assessed and IR was determined by homeostasis model assessment index (cutoff points: 2.67 and 2.22 in prepubertal boys and girls and 5.55 and 3.82 in pubertal boys and girls, respectively). Intergroup differences were compared, correlations were investigated using Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed to estimate the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and IR. The prevalence of IR among overweight children was 62%. IL-6 levels differed between overweight and obese boys, while erythrocyte sedimentation rate, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, and sCD40L differed between obese and normal-weight boys. In contrast, sCD40L levels were increased in overweight versus normal-weight girls, while MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and sCD40L differed between obese and normal-weight girls. Furthermore, MCP-1 and sCD40L levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were positively correlated with IR; however, a stepwise regression analysis that adjusted for the body mass index (BMI) z score, sex, and age showed that none were good predictors of IR status. The prevalence of IR is high among Latin children with excess weight. Although some inflammatory biomarkers differed among groups, none robustly predicted IR.

Children and chrono-exercise: Timing of physical activity on school and weekend days depends on sex and obesity status

ABSTRACT Recommendations for physical activity (PA) typically focus on frequency, intensity, duration, and type, but timing (chrono-exercise) is also important. The objective of this study is to describe when children are active on school and weekend days and explore PA timing across sex and body mass index (BMI) categories. 359 children (53% male), aged 9.6 (0.9) y, were categorized as normal weight (≥-1 standard deviations (SD) and <1SD; n = 193), overweight (≥1SD and <2SD; n = 80), or obese (≥2SD; n = 86) using WHO BMIz. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed using ActiGraph LS-7164. The results are described as Mean(SD). ANOVA evaluated MVPA across sexes and BMI categories. Normal weight boys were more active than boys with obesity on school (Δ20.33 min; p < 0.001) and weekend days (Δ15.04 min; p < 0.05). On school days, significant differences existed between 9:00 h-11:00 h and 12:00 h-14:00 h (p < 0.017), while on weekends, smaller differences existed throughout the day. Girls’ MVPA was similar across BMI categories, on all days (p > 0.05). On school days, 12:00 h-13:00 h represented the most active hour for all participants (~14% total daily MVPA). Peak weekend MVPA was distributed across multiple hours. Differences in MVPA timing emerged on school-days and weekends. Timing may be important when examining the nuances of MVPA in relation to sex and bodyweight in children.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: Prevalence and Gender Differences

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Children with T1D have a similar or higher prevalence of being overweight (OW) or obese (Ob) compared to healthy peers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CVD risk factors in children and adolescents with T1D and the impact of obesity and sex differences on these factors. Data of patients aged 10-21 years and who had been using intensive insulin therapy with a diagnosis of T1D for at least three years were evaluated. Patients were divided into normal weight (NW), OW and Ob groups based on body mass index percentiles. Risk factors for CVD (obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension) were compared between groups, and impact of gender was also analyzed. Data of 365 patients (200 girls, 54.8%), were evaluated. Prevalence of OW/Ob was 25.9% and was significantly higher in girls (30.6% vs 20.1%, p<0.001). Rate of hypertension was highest in OW/Ob girls followed by OW/Ob boys, and similar in NW girls and boys (p=0.003). Mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglyceride (TG) levels were highest in OW/Ob girls, followed by OW/Ob boys, NW girls and NW boys, respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Mean high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were similar among groups. Rates of high LDL-c and TG were similar between OW/Ob girls and boys and higher than NW girls, followed by NW boys (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The rate of low HDL-c was similar in OW/Ob girls and boys, and higher than NW girls, followed by NW boys (p<0.001). Overall, girls were 1.9 times more likely than boys to have two or more risk factors for CVD. Factors associated with risk for CVD in multiple logistic regression analyses were being a girl, followed by higher daily insulin dose, higher hemoglobin A1c, and longer duration of diabetes (r=0.856; p<0.001). In spite of the increased prevalence for obesity in both sexes, the trend for CVD risk factors was greater in Ob girls, followed by Ob boys and NW girls. Girls with T1D are more likely to be OW/Ob and to have CVD risk than boys, highlighting the need for early intervention and additional studies to elucidate the causes.

Body Mass Index and Physical Fitness among Chinese Adolescents Aged 15-18: A Cross-Sectional Study of Gender Differences.

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between varying levels of obesity and physical fitness test scores among Chinese adolescents, while also investigating gender differences in physical fitness and overall health. Data on height, weight, 50 m sprints, 1000/800 m runs, standing long jumps, sit and reach exercises, pull-ups/bent-leg sit-ups, and additional variables were collected from the DYH health database. Physical fitness indicators were evaluated based on the revised 2014 National Physical Fitness Standards for Students, and scores were assigned accordingly. An ordinal logistic regression (ologit) model was employed to analyze the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness. (1) Normal-weight boys achieved significantly higher physical fitness test scores than boys in other weight categories. (2) Underweight and normal-weight girls obtained significantly higher physical fitness test scores compared to overweight and obese girls, with underweight girls scoring slightly higher than those with a normal weight. (1) There is a significant non-linear relationship between BMI levels and physical fitness test scores. (2) Gender differences were observed in physical fitness and overall health outcome. (3) The findings indicate an inverted U-shaped association between BMI and physical fitness among boys, while girls displayed an inverse relationship. This could be attributed to the cultural association between thinness and beauty among girls in China.

Profiles of Thyroid Hormones in the Overweight Boys of District Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

We must understand hormonal pathways to solve the global problem of overweight children and adolescents. This study examines the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and body weight in Rawalpindi boys, where childhood obesity/BMI is more prevalent. Thyroid function and body weight have been linked in a few studies. In this case-control study, we recruited 166 boys (both normal and Obese) aged 5-15 from hospitals in District Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Heparinized syringes collected 1.5 ml antecubital blood samples from each subject. Blood plasma was immediately centrifuged following standard procedures and frozen at -20 °C. ELISA measured T3, T4, and TSH levels. A family history of Obesity or other endocrine or chronic diseases disqualified participants. Overweight boys had lower tri-iodothyronine (T3) levels than normal-weight boys (p&lt;0.05). Ordinary boys' T3 levels rose from 5 to 10 years old. Overweight boys had lower T3 levels than normal-weight 9–15-year-olds (p&lt;0.05). From 5 to 7, 9 to 11, and 15 years old, overweight boys had lower tetra iodothyronine (T4) levels than normal-weight males (p&lt;0.05). Chubby boys had higher TSH levels at 9, 11, and 13–15 than normal-weight males (p&lt;0.05). TSH correlated positively with body weight, while T3 and T4 correlated negatively. TSH linked with BMI, while T3 and T4 did not. This profile may explain overweight etiology. These findings can inform future research and interventions to address this serious public health concern in Rawalpindi and beyond.

Boys with overweight status lagged behind girls with overweight status in reading: evidence from mendelian randomization

ObjectivesWe investigated the relationship between childhood weight status and academic achievement across sexes and different school subjects in Norway. Study Design and SettingWe used data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), which includes genetic data (N = 13,648, 8-year-old children). We employed within-family mendelian randomization, using a body mass index (BMI) polygenic risk score as an instrument to address unobserved heterogeneity. ResultsContrary to most previous findings, we observed that overweight status (including obesity) has more detrimental effects on reading achievement in boys than in girls; the test scores of boys with overweight were about a standard deviation lower than those of normal weight boys, and the negative effects on reading achievement became stronger in the later grade. ConclusionPrevious obesity prevention studies have mainly targeted girls, based on the assumption that the obesity penalty is greater for girls. Our findings highlight that particular attention to boys with overweight may help reduce the existing gender gap in academic achievement.

Effects of nutrition on the estimation of dental age in Argentinian children by radiographic method

Objective: to analyze the influence of the nutritional status on the estimation of the chronological age from radiographs through the degree of dental calcification using the methods of Demirjian et al., Willems et al., Nolla and Haavikko in children of both sexes from Tucuman, Argentina. Methods: 223 children (115 females and 108 males) who assisted to radiological studies previous to dental treatment were selected. Panoramic X-rays were taken. Dental ages were calculated using the corresponding tables of the methods of Demirjian et al., Willems et al., Nolla and Haavikko. Chronological ages were calculated between the date of birth and the date of the study. Children were grouped according to their sex and nutritional status. Results: For normal weight girls, the mean difference between dental and chronological age was: Demirjian et al.: 0.26±0.93; Willems et al: 0.43±0.95; Nolla: -0.31±0.84; Haavikko: -0.13±0.82. For normal weight boys: Demirjian et al.: 0.16±0.77; Willems et al.: 0.20±0.79; Nolla: -0.23±0.65; Haavikko: -0.255±0.73. For overweight girls: Demirjian et al.: 0.53±0.91; Willems et al.: 0.31±0.88; Nolla: -0.44±0.69; Haavikko: 0.09±0.81. For overweight boys: Demirjian et al.: 0.38±0.86; Willems et al.: 0.36±0.80; Nolla: 0.06±0.75; Haavikko: 0.06±0.94. For obese girls: Demirjian et al.: 0.92±0.75; Willems et al.: 0.83±1.37; Nolla: -0.47±0.57; Haavikko: 0.31±0.16. For obese boys: Demirjian et al.: 0.85±0.95; Willems et al.: 0.50±0.94; Nolla: 0.32±0.82; Haavikko: 0.50±0.77. For underweight boys and girls: Demirjian et al.: -0.36±0.82; Willems et al.: -0.25±0.70; Nolla: -0.85±0.87; Haavikko: -0.85±0.92. Conclusion: In normal boys and girls the methods of Demirjian et al. and Willems et al. overestimated the chronological age; those of Nolla and Haavikko underestimated it. In overweight boys and girls, the overestimation (Demirjian et al. and Willems et al.) doubled the chronological age, while in obese boys and girls, both methods tripled it.

Serum levels of the novel adipokine isthmin-1 are associated with obesity in pubertal boys

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether there is an association between the serum levels of the novel insulin-like adipokine isthmin-1 (ISM1) and obesity-related phenotypes in a population of Spanish children and to investigate the plausible molecular alterations behind the alteration of the serum levels of this protein in children with obesity.MethodsThe study population is a sub-cohort of the PUBMEP research project, consisting of a cross-sectional population of 119 pubertal children with overweight (17 boys, 19 girls), obesity (20 boys, 25 girls), and normal weight (17 boys, 21 girls). All subjects were classified into experimental groups according to their sex, obesity, and insulin resistance (IR) status. They were counted anthropometry, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and cardiovascular biomarkers as well as isthmin-1 (ISM1) serum levels. This population was intended as a discovery population to elucidate the relationship between obesity and ISM1 levels in children. Furthermore, the study population had blood whole-genome DNA methylation examined, allowing deepening into the obesity–ISM1 molecular relationship.ResultsHigher serum ISM1 levels were observed in boys with obesity than in normal weight (P = 0.004) and overweight (P = 0.007) boys. ISM1 serum levels were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) Z-score (P = 0.005) and fat mass (P = 0.058) and negatively associated with myeloperoxidase (MPO) (P = 0.043) in boys. Although we did not find associations between ISM1 serum levels and metabolic outcomes in girls, which may indicate a putative sexual dimorphism, fat mass was positively associated in all children, including boys and girls (P = 0.011). DNA methylation levels in two-enhancer-related CpG sites of ISM1 (cg03304641 and cg14269097) were associated with serum levels of ISM1 in children.ConclusionsISM1 is associated with obesity in boys at the pubertal stage, elucidating how this protein might be of special relevance as a new biomarker of obesity in children. Further studies including a longitudinal design during puberty are needed.

Insights into the implication of obesity in hypogonadism among adolescent boys.

This research aimed at uncovering the mechanisms behind obesity-related hypogonadism in adolescent boys and to investigate the association between anthropometric characteristics and testicular functions of these boys. This study included 60 adolescent boys (12-18 years) with exogenous obesity (BMI≥95th percentile) and 30 age matched lean controls (BMI=15th-85th percentile). Full clinical examination, anthropometric measurements and pubertal assessment were performed. Laboratory investigations included hemoglobin, hematocrit, lipid panel, LH, FSH, free and total testosterone, inhibin B and estradiol. The results indicated the presence of positive family history of obesity in 85% of obese boys vs. 40% of the lean counterparts. Concerning SBP of obese boys, 7%were hypertensive (95th percentile), 25% were prehypertensive (between 90th and 95th percentiles) while, DBP findings showed that 33% are hypertensive and 33% are prehypertensive. Meanwhile, 13.3% of lean controls were prehypertensive. Anthropometric measurements and lipid profile values revealed a significant difference between obese and lean boys. Compared to obese boys the normal weight boys had higher levels of free testosterone (21.15±2.90pg/mL vs. 11.38±3.96pg/mL, p<0.001), total testosterone (10.59±6.63ng/dL vs. 3.23±1.70ng/dL, p<0.001), FSH (7.33±3.75mIU/mL vs. 5.63±3.96mIU/mL, p=0.026) and inhibin B (83.28±27.66pg/mL vs. 62.90±17.85pg/mL, p=0.001) and they registered lower level of estradiol (18.48±7.33pg/mL vs. 40.20±7.91pg/mL, p<0.001). In obese boys, BMI SDS significantly correlated with lipid profile and estradiol whereas, it showed significant negative correlation with LH, free and total testosterone and inhibin B. Penile length significantly correlated with LH while it revealed significant negative correlation with cholesterol. This study evidenced a close association between obesity and hypogonadism in adolescent boys which could be due to the increased estradiol level and decreased T/E2 ratio.

Growth hormone response to acute Kangaroo ‘Fun for Fitness’ exercise in normal-weight and obese boys and girls

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in the GH responses to Kangaroo exercise between normal-weight and obese children in both genders. Methods: Children (aged 11.28±0.54 y) were divided into; normal-weight boys (N=17), obese boys (N=13), normal-weight girls (N=15), and obese girls (N=9). All participants did Kangaroo exercises with 9 jumps, for a total of 7 sets of ten repetitions for each leg. Before and after exercise, participants were measured for their serum GH concentrations. Results: The results showed that girls (both normal-weight and obese) had a higher serum GH concentration than boys at pre-exercise and post-exercise (all, p &lt; 0.05). There were no differences between normal weight (both genders) and obese groups at pre-test (p &gt; 0.05). However, at a post-test, normal weight (both genders) had a higher serum GH concentration than the obese groups (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, normal-weight groups presented a higher post-exercise serum GH concentration than the pre-exercise (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, the obese groups presented a lower post-exercise serum GH concentration than the pre-exercise (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Obese boys and girls presented diminished acute GH responses to kangaroo exercise. Obese boys and girls displayed lower serum GH concentrations at post-exercise as compared to normal-weight boys and girls.

Gender Differences in the Effects of BMI on School Bullying and Victimization in China: Comparing Normal Weight, Underweight and Overweight Secondary School Students

Weight-related school bullying and victimization have become important public health issues among adolescents around the world. This study aims to examine gender differences in the effects of Body Mass Index (BMI) on school bullying and victimization among secondary school students. This study conducted a survey among 2849 adolescents—1393 girls (48.9%) and 1456 boys (51.1%). The students were between 12 and 18 years of age and were recruited from ten secondary schools in 2019 in Suqian City in China. The study showed that overweight boys were more likely to bully others and be bullied by peers compared to normal weight boys. In contrast, overweight girls reported less bullying than normal-weight girls. No significant relationship was found between overweight and victimization among female students. The implications for comprehensive sexuality education practices are also discussed.

What Is the Relationship Between Body Mass Index, Sex Hormones, Leptin, and Irisin in Children and Adolescents? A Path Analysis.

ObjectiveThe present research aimed to study the relationship between body mass index (BMI), sex hormones, leptin, and irisin in children and adolescents with different body types.MethodsIn this study, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select students aged 8-15 years from two 9-year schools as the research subjects. Based on a case-control study, 183 overweight/obese students were selected. After using sex and age matching to create a matched sample of normal-weighted students, a total of 366 students, including 214 boys (58.5%) and 152 girls (41.5%) were included. We measured their height and weight and calculated their body mass index BMI. Afterward, their concentrations of leptin, irisin, oestradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) in the serum were detected.ResultsThere were significant differences in T, E2, leptin, and irisin between normal-weighted boys and girls (p < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in T, E2, and irisin between overweight/obese boys and girls (p < 0.05). Overweight/obese students had higher concentrations of irisin and leptin than normal-weight students (p < 0.05). The direct effect of BMI on irisin was not statistically significant in either normal or overweight/obese students, but their indirect effects via leptin were statistically significant (for normal-weight boys and girls, standardized indirect effect coefficient: 0.29 and 0.38, respectively; for overweight/obese boys and girls, standardized indirect effect coefficient: 0.36 and 0.34, respectively). There was a negative pathway of E2 → leptin → irisin in normal-weight boys (standardized indirect effect coefficient: −0.24) and a negative pathway of T → leptin → irisin in overweight/obese boys (standardized indirect effect coefficient: −0.27).ConclusionThe indirect effects of BMI on irisin via leptin exist in children and adolescents of different body types. E2 was negatively correlated with leptin in normal-weight boys, whereas T was negatively correlated with leptin in overweight/obese boys.

Preventive Screening of Young People from the Perspective of Vascular Aging Phenotypes: the Role of Body Weight

Aim. To study the cardiovascular stiffness index CAVI in relation to main risk factors (RF) in young people from the point of their vascular aging phenotype and gender.Material and methods. 264 young people (93 boys and 171 girls) at age of 18 to 25 years were examined. Vascular screening was performed with evaluating of CAVI. All subjects were divided into tertile groups for this indicator, taking into account gender. Such interval analysis of gender- and age- homogeneous sample allows to identify carriers of the phenotypes of premature (upper CAVI-tercile), normal (middle CAVI-tercile), and favorable or healthy (low CAVI-tercile) vascular aging. The first of them is also called EVA (early vascular aging) syndrome. In these groups, the incidence of carriers of insufficient, normal body mass (BM) and overweight were estimated. In three groups formed by BM indicator, the parameters of CAVI, hemodynamic and metabolic status in response to changes in BM were determined.Results. Among of the presented RF, the correlation was significant for CAVI with a weight -0.428 (p&lt;0.001) for R-CAVI, -0.453 (p&lt;0.001) for L- CAVI, and even more significant with the BM index - at the level of -0.410 (p&lt;0.001) for R-CAVI and -0.462 (p&lt;0.001) for L-CAVI. This connection is found in boys. Among boys and girls with excessive BM, the most favorable vascular aging phenotype is observed 2.7 and 2.2 times more often than the EVA syndrome. In contrast, among girls with insufficient BM, a favorable vascular phenotype is detected almost twice rarely as compared with EVA syndrome. In similar group of boys, a healthy vascular phenotype is not observed at all. Among normal-weight boys and girls, the occurrence of the two extreme vascular phenotypes is almost identical. The arterial rigidity decrease on the background of BM increase occurs despite the сhanges of hemo- dynamic and metabolic indicators. This changes are especially pronounced in girls. The difference between the extreme weight categories in terms of R- CAVI and L-CAVI for boys was 1.4, while for girls it was only 0.3 for R-CAVI and 0.4 for L-CAVI.Conclusion. When carrying out preventive measures among young people, one should not limit oneself to evaluating only traditional RF. Based on the concept of vascular aging, angiological screening should be more widely implemented. It will allow for more individualized preventive interventions among young people in the future.

Psychosocial Predictors of Body Weight Congruence in Adolescents Aged 15 and 17 Years in Poland: Findings from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study.

Background: Body weight congruence (BWC) has implications for adolescent health. The main goal of this study was to examine the distribution of BWC and its relationship with six psychosocial factors. Methods: A representative sample of N = 3508 adolescents aged 15 and 17 years (52.4% girls) derived from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, conducted in 2017/2018 in Poland, was used. BWC groups were defined based on self-reported BMI and subjective assessment of weight: (1) correct perception; (2) overestimation, and (3). underestimation. Principal component analysis (PCA) extracted the following two factors: a socio-relational factor (SR) related to perceived social support and social self-efficacy, and a body attitudes and social media exposure factor (BAME). Using the total sample, multinomial logistic regression was applied to estimate their impact on the BWC, and gender-specific models were compared. Results: Half (48.6%) of the adolescents correctly estimated their body weight, 31.0% overestimated it (girls 43.9%, boys 17.1%), and 20.0% underestimated it (boys 37.2%, girls 9.0%). Overestimation of body weight concerns 48.0% of normal weight girls, 50.0% of underweight girls, and 21.3% and 32.1% of normal weight and underweight boys, respectively. The percentage of normal weight (34.4%), and overweight and obese (30.8%) boys who underestimated their body weight was three times higher than the respective percentages of girls that underestimated their weight (9.0% and 11.9%). The SR factor protected adolescents from both underestimation (only in girls) and overestimation in the total sample (OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.68–0.81) and both genders. BAME increased this risk of overestimation in both genders (OR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.67–2.0), and the risk of underestimation among boys. Conclusions: Prevention programmes should include a wide range of psychosocial factors to improve BWC among adolescents.

Association between obesity with the diversity and genus of gut microbiota in school-aged children

Objective: To analyze the diversity differences of gut microbiota between school-aged obese children and normal-weight children and identify the characteristic flora in obese children to provide some evidence for the subsequent study of the following study-related mechanisms and the prevention and treatment of obesity in school-aged children. Methods: This study was based on a cohort established in a primary school in Jiading district, Shanghai, 2016. Sixty-three children, including 43 boys and 20 girls, who were obese during the three years from 2016 to 2018, were enrolled in the obesity group. Among children who were average weight for three years, a total of 63 were selected as the control group, with matching with the obese ones in a 1 to 1 way according to age, sex and class. The primary characteristics, diet status, breastfeeding, and other information of children were collected by questionnaire. Fecal samples of participants in both groups were collected, and 16S rDNA sequencing was performed. Operable taxon units clustering according to 97% similarity and species annotation were based on the quality-optimized sequences. The difference in the diversity and genius of gut microbiota among children in the obesity and control groups were analyzed. The α diversity indices, including Ace, Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson index, were calculated. The β diversity was presented based on unweighted Unifrac distance and weighted Unifrac space by principal coordinate analysis. The differences in β diversity between the two groups were compared by similarity analysis (ANOSIM).The differences in genus distribution between the two groups were selected by STAMP software. The association of obesity with the α diversity and genus with significant differences were analyzed by the generalized linear model (GLM). Results: The Ace and Chao1 index in the obesity group was significantly lower than those in the control group (The P values were 0.026 and 0.039, respectively). There was no significant difference in Shannon and Simpson index between the two groups (The P values were 0.879 and 0.922, respectively). The results of ANOSIM showed differences in gut microbiota between the two groups (R>0), but the group contribution was not significant (unweighted Unifrac distance: R=0.006, P=0.223; weighted Unifrac distance: R=0.010, P=0.134). Among the obese group, the relative abundance of Prevotella and Sarcina was highest in the endemic genus. The STAMP results showed that the relative lots of 15 genera were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). The results of GLM showed that, compared with the control group, the obesity group had a lower level of the relative abundance in Akkermansia muciniphila, while a higher level in Coprococcus_3, Ruminococcus, Agathobacter and Collinsella. After stratification by sex, the Chao1 index was also lower in the obese boys than that in the normal-weight boys. However, the obese girls only had a higher level in Coprococcus_3 than the ordinary weight girls. Conclusions: Compared with children with average weight, obese children had lower α diversity of gut microbiota and lower relative abundance of dominant probiotics but had a higher relative lot of genus associated with metabolic disorders, inflammation promotion, and metabolism rate reduction.

The prevalence of hypertension and elevated blood pressure and its correlation with overweight/obesity among students aged 6-17 years in Suzhou.

Lifestyle changes have led to an increase in the prevalence of hypertension in Chinese children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of hypertension and its association with overweight and obesity among students aged 6-17 years in Suzhou. This retrospective analysis included physical examination data of primary and junior high school students in Suzhou Industrial Park from 2016 to 2019. Elevated blood pressure and hypertension were defined using blood pressure criteria appropriate for age, sex, and height percentile. Overweight and obesity were defined using the 2007 diagnostic criteria proposed by the World Health Organization for school-age children. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between hypertension and overweight and obesity. A total of 128,113 students were included. The prevalence of elevated BP and hypertension was 9.92% and 13.56%, respectively. The incidence of high blood pressure was higher in boys than in girls and increased with an increase in body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of hypertension in obese boys and girls (27.07% and 27.49%, respectively) was 2.3-fold and 2.8-fold higher than that in normal-weight boys and girls (11.58% and 9.83%, respectively). Blood pressure was positively correlated with BMI, and the risk of high blood pressure due to overweight/obesity was 10.44%. Overweight and obesity significantly increased the risk of hypertension in students aged 6-17 years in Suzhou. Targeted weight-loss programs during childhood and adolescence may reduce the risk of hypertension in adulthood.

Association between Subjective Body Image, Body Mass Index and Psychological Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Conflicting findings were reported about the associations between subjective body image (SBI), body mass index (BMI) and psychological symptoms in China and other countries in the world. In this study, we aim to explore the associations between SBI, BMI, and psychological symptoms based on a large-scale, national wide survey among Chinese adolescents. Methods: The 2014–2015 China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) database, with 8134 middle school students (4137 boys and 3997 girls), was analyzed to explore the association between SBI, BMI and psychological symptoms. SBI was assessed by one question about the perception of own body shape with options “very thin”, “slightly thin”, “average”, “weak heavy”, and “very heavy”. BMI was calculated by the self-reported body weight and height. Psychological symptoms were evaluated by 10 items involving both aspects of depression and anxiety. Results: The results indicated that both boys and girls who perceived weak or very heavy weight were positively associated with psychological symptoms (p < 0.05). For boys, perceiving very thin body image was also in higher risk of psychological symptoms (p < 0.05), after controlling social-demographic variables and BMI. Comparing with normal weight boys or girls, obese boys (β = −2.22, 95% CI −3.37~−1.07) and overweight girls (β = −1.03, 95% CI −2.01~−0.06) were in lower levels of psychological symptoms after controlling for SBI. Other factors associated with psychological symptoms were family economic status, academic performance, and self-rated health status. Conclusions: A deviation from an “average” SBI was positively associated with psychological symptoms, which should be scanned when evaluating the Chinese adolescents’ mental health. These findings provide epidemiological evidence for the association between SBI and psychological symptoms in non-western social contexts.

Relationship between Resting Metabolic rate and Body Composition Factors in Obese and Normal Weight Gymnast Children

Background: Inconsistent results have been reported about the relationship between low RMR and obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between resting metabolic rate and body composition factors in obese and normal weight gymnastics children. Materials and Methods: 20 obese and 21 normal-weight boys, aged 8-12 years, participated in this study. In the first session, data regarding the participants’ anthropometrical (weight, height, waist to hip ratio (WHR)) and body composition (body fat percentage (BF%), body fat weight (BFW), and lean body weight (LBW)) measurements were recorded. In the next session, at first, subjects rested for 15 min and then performed a modified Bulk exhausting test. The subjects were connected to the mouthpiece of gas analyzer throughout the rest and exhausting test and VO2max, RER, and RMR were conducted in both groups. Results: Significant difference was observed for a mean of VO2max, weight, BF%, BFW, LBW, and WHR between the two groups (P=0/001). The mean of RMR per kg body weight was significantly lower in the obese group than in the normal-weight group (P 0.05). There was a significant linear relationship between RMR with weight, WHR, BFW, LBW, and VO2max in the obese group (P≤0/05). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study it can be concluded that the difference between the weight of obese and normal-weight beginner gymnast children is partly due to low RMR; and the lower RMR in obese children might be due to their low cardiorespiratory fitness.

Obesity Is Strongly Associated With Low Testosterone and Reduced Penis Growth During Development.

Growth of male genitalia represents an important marker of sexual development. Testicle size is the primary measure and little is known regards penile length changes during puberty. This work aims to assess penis growth and testosterone levels in obese vs normal-weight children and adolescents, to evaluate a possible influence of obesity on genital development in boys, and to establish a new method for measuring penis length that allows comparison of normal-weight and overweight boys. We assessed anthropometric and genital development in 1130 boys from birth to age 20 years. Testosterone levels were also measured. A new method for penile length measurement was employed to minimize errors when comparing obese and nonobese children. Penis length was measured with a gentle, painless, straight positioning on a centimetric ruler without stretching, which is doable from the first years of life until the end of adolescence. Penis length and testosterone are strongly related in children during puberty. Penile length growth is significantly decreased (by about 10%) in obese boys when compared to normal-weight boys, with concomitantly reduced testosterone levels, across puberal phases. Childhood obesity represents an important determinant of lower testosterone level and reduced penis development. A new method should be employed to improve penis measurement in normal-weight and overweight/obese boys. The possible significance of these observations for adult genital development and reproductive potential will require large longitudinal studies.