Relationships Among Metabolic-Risk, Body Fatness, and Muscular Fitness in Young Obese Latino Children

Given the high prevalence of obesity in Latino children and potential health risks, the purpose of this study was to: 1) evaluate relationships among metabolic-risk, fitness, and body fatness; 2) determine sex differences in cardio-metabolic risk factors and fitness of obese children of Latino descent. Sixty children (boys, n = 39, 7.8 ± 1.5 years; girls, n = 21, 7.2 ± 1.5 years; body mass index, 97.8 ± 2.5^th percentile) completed assessments of height, weight, and body fat, prior to fasted blood draws and a battery of fitness tests. Cardio-metabolic markers were analyzed, and a metabolic risk score created. Correlations and regression analyses evaluated the relationships among body fatness, metabolic-risk, and fitness. Independent samples t-tests determined sex differences (p < 0.05). Body fat related negatively to lower body power (p < 0.016), but positively to upper body power (p = 0.049). After controlling for age and sex, body fat (p < 0.001) was a positive predictor of variance in metabolic-risk scores, (R² = 0.39, p < 0.001). Further, the association between body fat and metabolic-risk was not moderated by sex. Metabolic-risk scores and body fat were similar for both sexes, but boys performed better on muscular fitness tests, even after accounting for fat free mass (p < 0.05). Higher body fatness in obese Latino children may result in greater metabolic-risk and difficulty performing weight-bearing tasks. Therefore, culturally adapted weight management programs should employ a multifaceted approach to improve metabolic-risk and fitness.