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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

Hyperinsulinemia and waist circumference in childhood metabolic syndrome

Saira Waqar Lone1, Irum Atta, Mohsina Noor Ibrahim

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi. saira_akm@hotmail.com

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|March 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence in obese children varied significantly based on the definition used. Waist circumference and hyperinsulinemia are key indicators for early detection and intervention in childhood obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern.
  • Obese children are at increased risk for metabolic syndrome (MS).
  • Standardized definitions for pediatric MS are crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize obese children presenting at a tertiary care hospital.
  • To determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MS) in these children using two pediatric definitions.
  • To identify key anthropometric and metabolic correlates of MS.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted with 262 obese children (aged 4-16 years) with BMI > 95th percentile.
  • Exclusion criteria included obesity due to syndromes, medications, chronic illness, or developmental disability.
  • Measurements included blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting triglycerides, HDL, insulin, and glucose levels. MS prevalence was assessed using De Ferrantis and Lambert definitions.

Main Results:

  • The frequency of MS ranged from 16% to 52%, depending on the inclusion of insulin levels in the definition.
  • Waist circumference (46.5%) and hyperinsulinemia (58%) were the most prevalent abnormalities.
  • Metabolic parameters showed significant positive correlations with waist circumference and insulin levels, except for HDL.

Conclusions:

  • The definition used significantly impacts the reported prevalence of MS in obese children.
  • Waist circumference and hyperinsulinemia are significant correlates of MS in this population.
  • Incorporating waist circumference and insulin levels into MS definitions is recommended for early detection and intervention in childhood obesity.
Abstract

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