Serum Copper/Zinc Ratio in Overweight and Obese Children: a Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern.
• The copper/zinc ratio (CZR) is a potential biomarker for metabolic disturbances.
• Understanding factors associated with pediatric obesity is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum copper/zinc ratio (CZR) and overweight/obesity in children.
• To explore potential differences in this association based on age and gender.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
• Inclusion of sociodemographic and clinical data from children aged 8-18 years.
• Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main Results:

• Elevated serum CZR levels were significantly associated with higher odds of overweight (OR=1.74), obesity (OR=5.26), and central obesity (OR=2.99).
• Subgroup analyses revealed that high serum CZR was linked to overweight in children aged ≥12 years and females.
• Increased odds of obesity and central obesity were observed in children aged ≥12 years, irrespective of gender.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum copper/zinc ratio is a significant indicator associated with increased odds of overweight, obesity, and central obesity in children.
• The relationship between serum CZR and obesity metrics persists across different pediatric age groups and genders.
• Serum CZR may serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying children at risk for obesity and related metabolic complications.