ESPE Abstracts

Background: We aimed to assess whether or not anthropometric indices such as weight circumference (WC), waist/hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), and weight for height (W/H) are predictors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) among obese children and adolescents. We aimed to describe effects of gender and pubertal status on these anthropometric indices.

Method: A total of 291 obese children and adolescents (160 girls and 131 boys, age range: 6–16 years, mean age: 11.84±2.62 years) were included in this study. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated in all participants. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.

Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 22.3% (65) in all participants. Significantly higher WC and W/H were found in obese with MetS (P<0.05). The prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in pubertal obese children than pre-pubertal ones (P=0.004). W/H in both pubertal and prepubertal obese children with MetS was significantly higher compared to obese without MetS. Significantly higher W/H was found in obese girls with MetS. However, difference for W/H were not significant between obese boys with and without MetS (P>0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that W/H was the most important predictor of MetS in obese children and adolescents except obese boys (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Frequency of MetS is common in pubertal period among obese children. Anthropometric parameters, particularly weight for height must be evaluated in all obese children. Weight for height can be used as a predictor for MetS in obese children and adolescents except obese boys.