Abstract
Background and Objectives: The prevalence and magnitude of childhood obesity are increasing dramatically. Childhood obesity has contributed to an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome among children. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents and investigating its association with various degrees of obesity.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried on 235 overweight and obese children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years. After physical examination, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were assessed.
The subjects were classified according to CDC 2000 data of body mass index: 1. at risk for Over weight (95th percentile>BMI>85th percentile), 2.Over weight (97th percentile > BMI ≥ 95th percentile), 3.Very over weight (BMI ≥97th percentile). After conversion of BMI to a Z-Score, we defined obesity on the basis of Z-Score ≥ 2. Plasma glucose and lipids profile were measured after 12 hr fasting. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed when at least three of following were present: Blood pressure>95th percentile, HDL-cholesterol <5th percentile, Triglyceride > 95th percentile, BMI Z-Score ≥ 2 (all adjusted for age and sex) and fasting glucose > 100 mg/dl.
Results: The overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 31.9%. Prevalence increased with weight status; Metabolic syndrome was in 11.6%, 6.3%, and 40.8% of at risk for overweight, over weight and very over eight cases, respectively (P<0.0005). The high serum triglyceride was the most common component of the metabolic syndrome (53.2%). Low HDL-cholesterol, hypertension level and fasting hyperglycemia was present in 24.7%, 20.4%, and 28.9% of the subjects, respectively. There was significant correlation between impaired fasting glucose and severity of obesity (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is high among overweight and obese children and adolescents, and increases significantly with severity of the obesity. This study indicates the necessity of early prevention through constant education about correct nutrition and physical activity.