Cardiometabolic risk in adolescents: prevalence and associated factors from a population-based survey (2008-2015)

To investigate lipid profile alterations and their associated sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle factors among adolescents living in São Paulo in 2008 and 2015.

The authors analyzed data from the ISA-Capital study, a population-based cross-sectional survey, including 448 adolescents (12-19 years). Socioeconomic, anthropometric, lifestyle, and biochemical data were collected. Cardiometabolic risk factors assessed included high blood pressure, obesity, increased waist circumference, dyslipidemia, and lipid profile alterations. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests, t-tests/Wilcoxon tests, and logistic regression models (p < 0.05).

Dyslipidemia was the most prevalent risk factor (67.6%; 95% CI 63.1-71.8), with low HDL-c affecting 52.4% (95% CI 47.7-57.0). High blood pressure and obesity were observed in 16.1% (95% CI 12.9-19.7) and 11.7% (95% CI 9.0-15.1) of adolescents, respectively. 7% had 3 or more risk factors. Compared to 2008, adolescents in 2015 were twice as likely to present high blood pressure (OR = 2.04; p = 0.011). Older adolescents had lower odds of obesity (OR = 0.83; p = 0.024) but were more likely to have increased waist circumference (OR = 1.22; p = 0.027) and high blood pressure (OR = 1.17; p = 0.017). Adolescents self-declared as non-white had lower odds of dyslipidemia (OR = 0.59; p = 0.018) and high triacylglycerol (OR = 0.58; p = 0.012). Higher household education was associated with lower risk of presenting dyslipidemia (OR = 0.54; p = 0.004). Physically active adolescents had lower odds of high LDL-c (OR = 0.48; p = 0.045).

The elevated prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly dyslipidemia, underscores the need for targeted preventive strategies among adolescents in São Paulo.