Differences in Fat Depots, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, and Insulin Resistance Between Active and Passive School...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Exercise Science
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Active commuting to school (ACS) increases physical activity in children.
• ACS is linked to better body composition and cardiometabolic markers.
• Its effect on specific ectopic fat depots in children is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare specific fat depots and cardiometabolic risk factors in children based on their mode of commuting to school.
• Investigate differences between active and passive commuters.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of cross-sectional data from 174 children (mean age 10.8 years).
• Commuting mode (active vs. passive) self-reported via questionnaire.
• Ectopic fat depots assessed using MRI (visceral, abdominal subcutaneous, intermuscular, hepatic, intrapancreatic, marrow fat).
• Cardiometabolic risk factors measured (blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR).

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in any ectopic fat depots between active and passive commuters (p ≥ 0.150).
• No significant differences were observed in cardiometabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance and overall risk score (p ≥ 0.220).

Conclusions:

• Active commuting to school was not associated with variations in ectopic fat depots.
• No link was found between active commuting and cardiometabolic risk factors or insulin resistance in children.