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Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Increased left ventricular mass in obese adolescents
P Friberg1, A Allansdotter-Johnsson, A Ambring
1Department of Clinical Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. fribergp@mednet.gu.se
Obese adolescents show increased left ventricular mass (LVM) compared to lean peers, as measured by cardiac MRI. This finding highlights the cardiovascular risks associated with adolescent obesity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity in adolescents is linked to cardiovascular changes.
- Previous studies using echocardiography suggested increased left ventricular mass (LVM) in obese youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the increase in LVM in obese adolescents compared to lean controls.
- To explore correlations between LVM and cardiovascular risk factors using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).
Main Methods:
- Cardiac MRI was used to assess LVM in 19 obese and 20 lean adolescents.
- Measurements included blood pressure, insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.
Main Results:
- Obese adolescents had 16% greater LVM adjusted for body height (p=0.0042).
- Obese subjects exhibited higher systolic blood pressure (p=0.0077), triglyceride, and insulin levels.
- Lower HDL-cholesterol levels were observed in the obese group.
Conclusions:
- Obese adolescents present with significantly higher LVM than their lean counterparts.
- Increased LVM in obese youth correlates with body mass index and systolic blood pressure.
- These results reinforce the established cardiovascular risk profile associated with adolescent obesity.
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