The relationship between serum lipids and obesity among elementary school in Birjand: a case control study

Childhood obesity could induce some risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including serum lipid abnormalities, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to comparison the lipid profile in normal children with cases having overweight, obesity and central obesity.

In this case control study, which was conducted 2013, serum lipids for three groups of children including cases with overweight (Body mass index (BMI): 85-95th percentiles to age and sex and waist circumference (WC) <90th percentile to age and sex = Case group1), central obesity without general obesity (BMI <85th percentiles and WC ≥ percentile 90 = Case group 2) and central obesity with general obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile and WC ≥ percentile 90 = Case group 3) were compared with control group (BMI < 85th percentiles WC <90th percentile). Data were analyzed using software SPSS-16 by chi-square and ANOVA tests at significance level α=0.05.

Each group consisted of 100 individuals. The highest mean of serum lipids and the highest extent of dyslipidemia existed in the children having central obesity along with general obesity. So that 49%, 28%, and 38% students of this group show hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Odd ratio of hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and low HDL-c, in children with at least one abnormal index (BMI and /or WC) compared with control group were 3.73 (95% CI: 1.98, 6.99), 1.37 (95% CI: 1.71, 2.65) and 2.98 (95% CI: 1.51, 5.87), respectively.

With regard to the relationship between central obesity and adverse changes in lipid profiles, the screening children for central obesity to prevention of cardiovascular disease are recommended.