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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Prevalence of metabolic complications in children with severe obesity

Masako Sei1, Tadanori Nakatsu, Kyoko Yuasa

  • 1Department of Human Genetics and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Science, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|September 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Severely obese children frequently experience metabolic complications, with over 80% having at least one abnormality. Early intervention is crucial for preventing lifestyle-related diseases in pediatric obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global concern.
  • Metabolic complications are significant health risks associated with severe obesity in children.
  • Understanding the prevalence of these complications is vital for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of metabolic complications in severely obese Japanese children.
  • To analyze anthropometric and metabolic parameters in this cohort.
  • To establish baseline data for intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 367 severely obese Japanese children (grades 1-9).
  • Participants were >150% of standard weight for sex and height.
  • Analysis included body fat percentage, lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, liver enzymes, and blood pressure.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of metabolic abnormalities was significantly higher than in the general population.
  • A high correlation was observed between various metabolic variables.
  • 80.4% of severely obese children exhibited at least one metabolic complication.

Conclusions:

  • Severely obese children present with diverse metabolic abnormalities at an early age.
  • These findings underscore the need for early detection and management of metabolic risks.
  • Collaborative intervention by healthcare providers and schools is recommended to prevent lifestyle-related diseases.
Abstract

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