Overweight, fat patterning, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in black and white boys

To evaluate the relationships of overweight and fat patterning with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in black and white boys.

Cross-sectional analysis of CVD risk factors by weight and central adiposity groups in black and white boys, aged 10 to 15 years. Mean adiposity, lipid, and blood pressure variables were compared between weight and central adiposity groups within race by using linear regression models. Observed clustering of risk factors within weight and adiposity groups was compared with the expected clustering under an assumption of no association.

Within each racial group, overweight boys had greater skinfolds, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than non-overweight boys. Among overweight boys, greater central adiposity was associated with higher risk factor levels and increased clustering of risk factors.

Overweight and central adiposity together profoundly affect CVD risk factor levels and risk factor clustering in black and white boys.