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Cortisol and its relation to insulin resistance before and after weight loss in obese children

Thomas Reinehr1, Werner Andler

  • 1Vestische Kinder- und Jugendklinik, University of Witten-Herdecke, Datteln, Germany. T.Reinehr@kinderklinik-datteln.de

Hormone Research
|July 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Cortisol levels are higher in obese children with insulin resistance. Weight loss in these children significantly reduced both cortisol and insulin resistance, suggesting a link between the two.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Hormone Research

Background:

  • Insulin resistance is observed in obesity and Cushing's syndrome, hinting at cortisol's role.
  • Cortisol's potential involvement in insulin resistance among obese individuals warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum cortisol levels and insulin resistance in obese children.
  • To determine the impact of weight reduction on cortisol levels and insulin resistance in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Serum cortisol was measured in insulin-resistant obese children, non-insulin-resistant obese children, and healthy normal-weight children.
  • Multivariate linear regression analyzed factors influencing insulin resistance (HOMA), including BMI, age, gender, pubertal stage, and cortisol.
  • Cortisol and insulin resistance changes were tracked over one year in obese children with and without significant weight loss.

Main Results:

  • Obese children with insulin resistance exhibited significantly higher serum cortisol levels compared to normal-weight and non-insulin-resistant obese children.
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed that weight status (BMI), age, and cortisol significantly influenced insulin resistance.
  • Weight reduction in obese children led to significant decreases in both cortisol and insulin resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated cortisol levels are associated with insulin resistance in obese children.
  • Weight reduction is an effective strategy for decreasing both cortisol levels and insulin resistance in this group.
  • These findings support a significant link between cortisol and insulin resistance within the context of childhood obesity.
Abstract

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