Subclinical Origins of Cardiometabolic Risk in Indian Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

To measure and study the associations between body and hepatic fat and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors, in apparently healthy Indian adolescents.

In this cross-sectional study, anthropometry and CMR factors (glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, seated blood pressure measurement) were measured in apparently healthy Indian adolescents aged 11-16 years. Hepatic fat was measured by MRI proton density fat fraction (PDFF) using a 3.0 T system (GE Signa Architect). Whole-body fat was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Forty adolescents (24 boys) with a mean (SD) age of 14.3 (1.5) years were enrolled. At least one CMR factor was seen in 32.5% of all adolescents and in 18% of those who were normal body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of fatty liver was 5%. The waist circumference was significantly different between adolescents with CMR factors and those without (P = 0.003). Fat mass index (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.17-3.68), total fat mass (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.06-1.64), and truncal fat mass (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.12-2.72) were positively associated with CMR and progression of hepatic steatosis. Fat in the android region had the maximum association with CMR (OR 30.54, 95% CI 2.09-445.98).

CMR and hepatic steatosis are prevalent in Indian adolescents and can occur even at normal BMI, with android fat distribution being the strongest determinant of CMR.

Clinical Trials Registry of India; Ref. No. CTRI/2024/06/068925.