Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
BMI gain and insulin resistance among school-aged children: a population-based longitudinal study in the Brazilian
Barbara H Lourenço1, Suely G A Gimeno2, Marly A Cardoso3
1Public Health Nutrition Program, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo,São Paulo,Brazil.
Insights
Childhood weight gain in the Amazon is linked to increased insulin resistance. Monitoring Body Mass Index (BMI) is crucial for preventing metabolic issues in school-aged children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Metabolic Health
- Public Health in Developing Countries
Background:
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a growing threat in developing nations, yet childhood metabolic determinants remain understudied.
- Childhood obesity and its metabolic consequences are significant public health concerns, particularly in diverse populations like the Brazilian Amazon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between weight gain (BMI-for-age Z-scores) and metabolic parameters in Amazonian school-aged children.
- To assess the impact of increasing Body Mass Index (BMI) on glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and blood pressure over a 2-year period.
Main Methods:
- A population-based prospective study involving 696 children aged 4-10 years in the Brazilian Amazon.
- Anthropometric measurements (BMI-for-age Z-scores) and metabolic markers (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, blood pressure) were collected at baseline and after a median 2-year follow-up.
- Linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between BMI changes and metabolic outcomes, adjusting for relevant covariates.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in the prevalence of overweight children (BMI-for-age Z-score >1) was observed, rising from 10.1% to 15.8% (P=0.003).
- Each unit increase in BMI-for-age Z-score was associated with a significant rise in fasting plasma insulin concentrations (+8.58 pmol/l) and HOMA-IR values (+1.47).
- No significant associations were found between weight gain and changes in glucose concentrations or blood pressure levels.
Conclusions:
- Increased BMI during childhood in the Brazilian Amazon is associated with elevated insulin resistance.
- The rising prevalence of overweight children necessitates targeted interventions and monitoring of BMI trends to mitigate future metabolic disease risks.
Abstract:
Investigation of the determinants of metabolic outcomes associated with non-communicable diseases is increasingly important in developing countries, but such parameters have not been explored extensively during childhood. The present study assessed the impact of weight gain, measured as BMI-for-age Z-scores, on glucose and insulin concentrations, homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure during school years among Amazonian children. A population-based prospective study of 696 children aged >4 to ≤ 10 years with complete anthropometric information at baseline (51% females and 86% of mixed race) was carried out; 411 children had data on metabolic parameters after a median follow-up period of 2.0 years (range 1.7-2.6 years). During follow-up, there was a significant increase in the proportion of overweight children (BMI-for-age Z-score >1) from 10.1 to 15.8% (P= 0.003). In linear regression models adjusted for the child's sex, age, race/ethnicity, baseline household wealth, birth weight and pubertal development stage, for each unit of BMI-for-age Z-score variation during follow-up, an increase of 8.58 (95% CI 7.68, 9.60) pmol/l in fasting plasma insulin concentrations and 1.47 (95% CI 1.30, 1.66) in HOMA-IR values was observed. There was no significant impact of weight gain on glucose concentrations and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, we found evidence that an increase in BMI during a 2-year period affected insulin resistance during school years. Considering the significant increase in overweight in this age group, special attention should be paid to monitoring increases in BMI in children from the Brazilian Amazon.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
01:26Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology