Obese Female Adolescents Research Articles

Excess body fat negatively affects bone mass in adolescents

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of excess body fat on bone mass in overweight, obese, and extremely obese adolescents. MethodsThis study included 377 adolescents of both sexes, ages 10 to 19 y. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), bone age, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) were obtained by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The results were adjusted for chronological age and bone age. Comparisons according to nutritional classification were performed by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test. Linear regression models were used to explain the variation in BMD and BMC in the L1–L4 lumbar spinal region, proximal femur, and whole body in relation to BMI, lean mass, fat mass (FM), and body fat percentage (BF%), considering P < 0.05. ResultsFor all nutritional groups, average bone age was higher than chronological age. In both sexes, weight and BMI values increased from eutrophic to extremely obese groups, except for BMD and BMC, which did not differ among male adolescents, and were smaller in extremely obese than in obese female adolescents (P < 0.01). Significant differences were observed for FM and BF% values among all nutritional groups (P < 0.01). Positive, moderate to strong correlations were detected between BMD and BMC for BMI, lean mass, and FM. A negative and moderate correlation was found between BMC and BF%, and between BMD and BF% at all bone sites analyzed in males and between BF% and spine and femur BMD, in females. ConclusionThe results reveal a negative effect of BF% on bone mass in males and indicate that the higher the BF% among overweight adolescents, the lower the BMD and BMC values.

Racial differences in the influence of female adolescents’ body size on dating and sex

This paper investigates the effect of body size on dating and sexual experiences of white (non-Hispanic) and African American (non-Hispanic) female adolescents. Using data from Add-Health, we estimate the effects of obesity and BMI z-score on the probability of having been involved in a romantic relationship, having ever been touched in the genital area in a sexual way, and having ever engaged in sexual intercourse. We find that obese white teenage girls are less likely to have been in a romantic relationship compared to their non-obese counterparts. In addition, obese white girls are less likely to ever have had sex (intercourse) or to ever have been intimate. There are no systematic differences in relationship experiences and sexual behaviors between obese and non-obese black girls. Overall, the estimated relationships are very robust to common environmental influences at the school-level and to the inclusion of proxies for low self-esteem, attitudes toward sex and interviewer assessment of appearance and personality. Instrumental variables estimates and estimates from models with lagged weight status confirm the overall patterns.

Brief Assessment of Supine Heart Rate Variability in Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Females

Little research has been conducted on the heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in late adolescent females. The present study aimed to assess HRV time and frequency domain parameters in overweight and obese late adolescent females. Also to assess any possible correlation between HRV parameters and obesity indices in that particular age group. Fifteen-minute period of standardized ECG recording was implemented to record HRV time and frequency parameters in 42 normotensive euglycemic female medical students aged (18-21 years); lean (n = 13), overweight (n = 13), and obese (n = 16). For the analysis of results, 2.5-minute data were used. Root mean squares of successive differences between adjacent RR intervals (rMSSD) and high-frequency (HF) power were significantly decreased in overweight and obese late adolescent females. Parameters reflecting sympathetic activity which include low-frequency (LF) power and LF/HF ratio showed significant increase in overweight group. Interestingly, LF power was significantly reduced in obese group while the LF/HF ratio was insignificantly different. No significant correlations were observed between HRV indices and parameters of total or visceral obesity in the study groups. HRV indices showed sympathetic hyperactivity in overweight late adolescent females and diminished sympathetic response in matching obese group. Both overweight and obese females showed decreased protective vagal influence on the heart.

Effect of exercise test on pulmonary function of obese adolescents

Objectiveto investigate the pulmonary response to exercise of non-morbidly obese adolescents, considering the gender. Methodsa prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 92 adolescents (47 obese and 45 eutrophic), divided in four groups according to obesity and gender. Anthropometric parameters, pulmonary function (spirometry and oxygen saturation [SatO2]), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), and respiratory muscle strength were measured. Pulmonary function parameters were measured before, during, and after the exercise test. ResultsBP and HR were higher in obese individuals during the exercise test (p = 0.0001). SatO2 values decreased during exercise in obese adolescents (p = 0.0001). Obese males had higher levels of maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (p = 0.0002) when compared to obese and eutrophic females. Obese males showed lower values of maximum voluntary ventilation, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in the first second when compared to eutrophic males, before and after exercise (p = 0.0005). Obese females had greater inspiratory capacity compared to eutrophic females (p = 0.0001). Expiratory reserve volume was lower in obese subjects when compared to controls (p ≤ 0,05). Conclusionobese adolescents presented changes in pulmonary function at rest and these changes remained present during exercise. The spirometric and cardiorespiratory values were different in the four study groups. The present data demonstrated that, in spite of differences in lung growth, the model of fat distribution alters pulmonary function differently in obese female and male adolescents.

Association between insulin resistance with UCP2 -866G/A, UCP2 45BP INS/DEL, UCP3 -55C/T, GHSR1A RS2922126, GHSR1A RS509035 and PRO12ALA PPARΓ2 gene polymorphisms in obese female adolescents in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Methods Screening for obesity using CDC 2000 criteria was done in 2121 female adolescents aged 13-14 years old in Yogyakarta. BMI > 95 percentile was considered as obese. Among the obese subjects, 78 agreed to be enrolled for this study. HOMA-IR > 3.16 was used to determine the insulin resistance status. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and UCP2 -866 G/A, UCP3 -55C/T, GHSR1a rs2922126, GHSR1a rs509035 and Pro12Ala PPARg2 genotypes were analyzed by PCRRFLP. UCP2 45bp ins/del genotype was analyzed by PCR.

Effects of high vs. moderate exercise intensity during interval training on lipids and adiponectin levels in obese young females

We investigate the effects of 12-week interval training of moderate- or high-intensity exercise on blood lipids and plasma levels of adiponectin. Thirty-four obese adolescent females [age = 15.9±0.3years; BMI and BMI-Z-score =30.8±1.6kg/m(2) and 3±0.3, respectively], were randomized to high-intensity interval training (HIIT, n=11), moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT, n=11), or a control group (CG, n=12). Maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]), maximal aerobic speed (MAS), plasma lipids and adiponectin levels were measured in all subjects before and after training. Following the training program, in both training groups, body mass, BMI-Z-score, and percentage body fat (% BF) decreased, while [Formula: see text] and MAS increased. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and adiponectin levels were positively altered (-12.6 and -7.4%; 6.3 and 8.0%; 35.8 and 16.2%; high to moderate training program, respectively). Waist circumference, triglyceride and total cholesterol decreased only in HIIT group (-3.5; -5.3 and -7.0%, respectively, in all P<0.05). Significant decrease in the usual index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) occurred in HIIT and MIIT groups (-29.2±5.3 and -18.4±8.6%, respectively; P<0.01). The results show that HIIT positively changes blood lipids and adiponectin variables in obese adolescent girls, resulting in improved insulin sensitivity, as attested by a lower HOMA-IR, and achieving better results compared to moderate-intensity exercise.

Decreased circulating 25-(OH) Vitamin D concentrations in obese female children and adolescents: Positive associations with Retinol Binding Protein-4 and Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin

Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with adult as well as childhood obesity. Retinol-binding-protein-4 (RBP-4) and Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (NGAL) are altered in obese individuals. The aim of this study was to examine circulating 25-(OH) Vitamin D (25-(OH) D) concentrations according to BMI and its associations with RBP-4 and NGAL in female children and adolescents. Seventy-nine (79) children, aged 8-16 years, were studied and divided into four groups: 19 control (BMI z-score range -2.15 - 1.24), 20 overweight (1.34 - 2.49), 20 obese (2.50 - 2.87) and 20 ultra-obese (3 - 4.37). Patients were derived from a Pediatric Obesity Clinic. Plasma 25-(OH) D, RBP-4 and NGAL concentrations were measured with specific assays. Plasma 25-(OH) D concentrations were decreased significantly in the ultra-obese (p=0.005) and marginally in the obese group (p=0.05) compared to the control group. In the entire BMI range, Spearman correlations revealed strong positive associations between 25-(OH) D and RBP-4 (r=0.349, p=0.002) and between 25-(OH) D and NGAL (r=0.338, p=0.003). 25-(OH) D is deficient in a clinical population of obese female children and adolescents, whereas in the entire BMI range 25-(OH) D is associated with RBP4 and NGAL concentrations. Longitudinal studies are needed to reveal the role of these associations in metabolic alterations related to childhood and adolescent obesity and associated metabolic morbidities.

Are children and adolescents with psychiatric illness at risk for increased future body weight? A systematic review

The aim of this paper was to review the longitudinal relationship between early-onset depression and disruptive behaviour and adult body weight. A systematic review of prospective longitudinal studies was conducted of articles in which (1) initial assessment occurred during childhood or adolescence (<18 y); and (2) the primary outcome reported as body mass index (BMI), overweight (BMI>25-<30 kg/m(2)), obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)), or depression; and (3) validated assessment measures for assessment of depressive symptoms or disruptive behaviour problems were employed. A total number of 16 articles were identified for review. Obese adolescent females are more likely to develop depressive illness in adulthood than their non-obese peers. Conversely, depressed adolescent females, and possibly males, are more likely to become overweight adults than non-depressed adolescents. There are insufficient data addressing future depression risk among overweight, non-obese, adolescents to evaluate the potentially interactive nature of this relationship. Studies to date are consistent in reporting that children with behaviour problems are at increased risk of future overweight, though whether this risk is conferred by conduct symptoms, ADHD symptoms, or both, is less clear. Care providers of children with disruptive behaviour problems and depressed adolescents should monitor weight gain. Among obese adolescent females, mood should be followed.

A Qualitative Study of the Day-to-Day Lives of Obese Mexican-American Adolescent Females

In an effort to develop more effective weight-loss interventions, this study examined the daily experiences and personal struggles of Mexican-American adolescent females with morbid obesity. Twenty self-identified, morbidly obese Mexican-American adolescent females and their families were interviewed about their food choices, personal and family barriers to weight loss, sources of support, previous weight-loss experience, and weight-related beliefs. Qualitative responses were coded by using framework analysis. Four themes emerged from the adolescent and family responses: the impact of normal adolescent development, multiple sources of excess calories, the physical and emotional burden of excess weight for the adolescent, and the magnitude of the family's personal struggle with weight management. Multiple subthemes were also identified. Responses by the adolescents and their families highlighted the intersection of adolescence and Mexican-American culture and the daily challenges of obesity. Recommendations for providers include incorporating knowledge of adolescent development and culturally sensitive care into treatment recommendations.

A Qualitative Study of the Day-to-Day Lives of Obese Mexican-American Adolescent Females

A Qualitative Study of the Day-to-Day Lives of Obese Mexican-American Adolescent Females

Big and beautiful? Evidence of racial differences in the perceived attractiveness of obese females

This paper investigates the relationships between body weight, race, and attractiveness in appearance and personality among adolescents. We study a sample of 5947 (non-Hispanic) white and black girls age 12 to 18 who were interviewed by a group of 338 interviewers. We find that overweight and obese white female adolescents are, respectively, 23% and 40% less likely, on average, to be perceived as physically attractive compared to normal-weight white girls. The physical appearance penalties are significantly smaller for overweight and obese black girls compared to white girls. These findings suggest that being overweight or obese is costly due to its negative impact on inner and outer perceived beauty, providing an explanation for the observed stigmatization of overweight and obesity among women in labor and relationship markets. The smaller beauty penalties for black girls above the normal-weight range suggest that the range of body sizes considered attractive may be wider for black females.

Plasma ceramides are elevated in female children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes

Accumulation of ceramides within tissues induces insulin resistance. Moreover, adiponectin exerts its beneficial metabolic effects at least partially through ceramide catabolism. We hypothesized that specific plasma ceramide subspecies are elevated in obese children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and that they inversely correlate with adiponectin and measures of insulin sensitivity. This was a cross-sectional study. Participants included 14 obese female subjects with T2D, ages 10-17, and 14 lean healthy controls of the same age and gender. Fasting plasma ceramide subspecies were measured by quantitative tandem mass spectrometry. Subjects with T2D had higher concentrations of C22:0 and C20:0 ceramides, with a 2-fold increase in C18:0 ceramide and C24:1 dihydroceramide (p<0.05). C22:0, C20:0 and C18:0 ceramide correlated with decreased adiponectin concentrations, increased HOMA-IR, BMI Z-score, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose concentrations (p<0.05). Plasma levels of C18:0, C20:0 and C22:0 ceramide, as well as C24:1 dihydroceramide, were elevated in obese female children and adolescents with T2D. This may be a reflection of tissue insulin resistance and could be a result of low adiponectin levels.

1429 Lower Cognitive Performance Among Obese Egyptian Adolescents

ObjectiveTo investigate cognitive function in obese Egyptian adolescents.MethodsA stratified-cluster proportionate random sampling was used to select a representative sample of 4899 pupils in preparatory school aged 12–15 year. Overweight was...

UCP3 gene polymorphism and insulin resistance in obese female adolescents

Background A previous study on obese female adolescents inYogyakarta done in the year 2007 suggests that genetic factorsmight influence insulin resistance. One genetic factor that hasbeen associated \\lith insulin resistance in other populations isthe 􀁐55C;T polymorphism in the uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3)gene.Objective To investigate an association between the 􀁐55C;Tpolymorphism in the UCP3 gene and insulin resistance in obesefemale adolescents in Yogyakarta.Methods A total of79 obese female adolescents were enrolled inthis cross􀁐sectional study. Genotyping of the 􀁐 5 SC/T polymorphismin the UCP3 gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction􀁐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR􀁐RFLP).Results The TiT homozygous individuals had a higher risk ofinsulin resistance (OR 2.3; 95% CI 0.4 to 14.1), as well as higherfasting insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessmentfor insulin resistance (HOMA􀁐IR) compared to individuals v.ithother genotypes. The T allele carriers also had a higher risk ofinsulin resistance (OR 1.3; 95% CI 0.7 to 2.5), as well as higherfasting insulin concentration and HOMA􀁐 IR compared to Callele carriers. However, none of these results were statisticallysignificant (P &gt; 0.05).Conclusion The TiT genotype and T allele of the UCP3 gene􀁐55CiT polymorphism was not significantly associated increasedrisk of insulin resistance in obese female adolescents in Yogyakarta.[Paediatr lndanes. 2012;52:152-6].

UCP3 gene polymorphism and insulin resistance in obese female adolescents

UCP3 gene polymorphism and insulin resistance in obese female adolescents

Factors Associated with Weight Resilience in Obesogenic Environments in Female African-American Adolescents

This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional analysis to examine a social ecological model of obesity among African-American female adolescents residing in obesogenic environments. The goal was to identify factors that promote weight resilience, defined as maintaining a healthy body weight despite living in an environment that encourages inactivity and undermines healthy weight behaviors. During 2005 to 2008, weight-resilient (n=32) and obese (n=35) African-American female adolescents (12 to 17 years) living in Detroit, MI, and their caregivers completed measures of individual, family, and extrafamilial weight-resilience factors. Variables related to weight resilience in bivariate analyses were subjected to multivariate analysis using logistic regression to test the hypothesis that these factors independently predicted adolescent membership into the weight-resilient or obese group. As hypothesized, the odds of an adolescent being weight resilient were predicted by lower caregiver body mass index (calculated as kg/m2) (odds ratio [OR]=0.790; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.642 to 0.973), lower caregiver distress (OR=0.796; 95% CI: 0.635 to 0.998), higher caregiver monitoring and supervision of exercise (OR=5.746; 95% CI: 1.435 to 23.004), more frequent full-service grocery store shopping (OR=5.147; 95% CI: 1.137 to 23.298), and more peer support for eating (OR=0.656; 95% CI: 0.445 to 0.969). Contrary to prediction, lower eating self-efficacy (OR=0.597; 95% CI: 0.369 to 0.965) also predicted weight resilience. The model correctly classified 92.5% of all cases. Findings suggest that increasing psychosocial weight-resilience factors across multiple systems might be an important intervention strategy for obese African-American female adolescents residing in obesogenic environments.

Association of adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms with adolescent obesity in Taiwan

Polymorphisms of β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and β3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) have been reported to be associated with obesity in adults and adolescents, although study results have been controversial. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms of ADRB2 (Arg16Gly, Gln27Glu) and ADRB3 (Trp64Arg) with adolescent obesity in Taiwan. A total of 559 adolescent volunteers with equal numbers female and male were enrolled. Participants were divided into two groups: obese (body mass index [BMI]≥ 95th percentile) and normal weight (BMI 15th-85th percentile). Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal mucosa cells and genotyped in TaqMan assays. Genotype results and clinical subject characteristics were analyzed. Among the three ADRB polymorphisms, only Arg16Gly polymorphism was found to be significantly correlated with adolescent obesity, especially in girls. Girls with genotype Gly/Gly had a lower probability of obesity than those with genotypes Arg/Gly or Arg/Arg (P= 0.006; Arg/Gly: odds ratio [OR], 2.57, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.22-5.41; Arg/Arg: OR, 3.03, 95%CI: 1.50-6.12). Girls with genotype Gly/Gly had lower BMI than those with genotype Arg/Arg (P= 0.049). Obese adolescents with genotype Gly/Gly had a lower probability of hypertension than those with genotype Arg/Gly or Arg/Arg (P= 0.005). Arg16Gly polymorphism of ADRB2 was significantly associated with obesity in female adolescents, and those with the Gly/Gly genotype were associated with a lower possibility of obesity and lower BMI. This polymorphism was also associated with a lower probability of hypertension in obese adolescents. The other two polymorphisms of ADRB (Gln27Glu and Trp64Arg) were not associated with adolescent obesity in Taiwan.

Efecto metabólico de la metformina en adolescentes obesas con riesgo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2

ABSTRACT Metabolic effect of metformin in obese adolescents at risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 In adults, metformin promotes weight loss and prevents the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). However, these effects have not been demonstrated in adolescents at risk for DM2. Objective: To analyze the anthropometric and metabolic impact of metformin in obese adolescents at risk for DM2. Patients and Methods : A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 19 obese female adolescents at risk for DM2. A structured lifestyle intervention with nutritional and exercise education and motivational support was assessed over 3 month with an additional follow up period of 3 months. Subjects were randomized to 500 mg/daily of extended release metformin or placebo. Anthropometric (weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure) and metabolic profi les (glycemia, HOMA, lipid profi le, AST, ALT) were compared between both groups at the end of both periods. Results: Metformin treated group showed a signifi cant reduction in weight and body mass index (BMI) compared with placebo group. No improvement in the metabolic risk profi le was showed in any group. Conclusion: In this study, metformin therapy in combination with a lifestyle intervention helps to reduce weight and BMI in obese adolescent females at risk for DM2, compared to lifestyle and placebo intervention.

Analyses of Gait and Jump Tasks in Female Obese Adolescents

In spite of the advances in knowledge on the multi-factorial nature of obesity, many questions related to the consequences of the disease continue to be unanswered. Several studies have reported biomechanic and kinematic adaptation and alterations in walking and in tasks of every day life, motivated by the additional load of fat mass in children and adults. The main objective of this study was to understand the effect of obesity in the electromyographic activity of four lower extremity muscles during three speeds of walking and during a countermovement jump (CMJ) in twenty two (9 obese and 13 normal weight) female adolescents aged 13. Although electromyographic differences were not observed between groups for normal, slow and fast speeds, data suggests that the preferred pace of the obese is less efficient than that of the normal weight group. In CMJ task, differences in the after-fall jump phase were observed. More studies are needed to explain if the few differences observed between groups are caused by the bigger amount of fat mass.

Differences in Stimulated Androgen Levels in Black and White Obese Adolescent Females

Study Objective Little is known about racial differences in androgen levels among obese children. The objective of this pilot study was to compare basal and stimulated androgen levels in a cross-sectional sample of obese black and white pubertal females. Study Design, Setting, and Participants This was cross-sectional study of obese (body mass index ≥ 95th percentile) but otherwise healthy female adolescents (10 black and 12 white; age range 8.8-13.9 y) who underwent adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing at an academic medical center as part of a protocol for the study of obesity-related conditions. Main Outcome Measures Basal and stimulated androgen levels. Results White and black participants were similar with regard to pubertal stage, body mass index, percentage body fat, and fasting glucose and insulin levels. Black girls had lower stimulated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and the differences between basal and stimulated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were lower in black girls. Body mass index was negatively correlated with stimulated cortisol in blacks only ( r = -0.69, P = .03). Conclusion There appear to be race-related differences in stimulated androgen levels in obese adolescent females. These differences deserve further study, as measurements of androgen levels are commonly used in clinical practice and research.