Anthropometric variables and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents

Abstract

Background: Childhood Obesity is increasing worldwide including the developing countries. Obesity defined by body mass index (BMI) is likely to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, waist circumference (WC), a marker of central adiposity, may be better indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. In children, the relationship between body-fat distribution and disease risk factors is not yet clear. Hence this study was undertaken to explore the relationship between anthropometric variables, lipid concentrations, and blood pressure (BP) and to assess the clinical relevance of waist circumference in identifying children with higher cardiovascular risk. Methods: A total of 610 children (355 boys and 255 girls) were studied. Height, weight, waist circumference, BP and plasma lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Apo-lipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), and Apo-lipoprotein B (Apo-B) were determined. Results: The plasma lipid profile and blood pressure was significantly higher in children with high waist circumference than in children with normal waist circumference. Waist circumference showed strong association with plasma lipid profile and blood pressure (p< 0.001). Conclusions: Since WC is a good predictor of cardiovascular risk factors, we suggest that all children with high WC should undergo routine screening for hypertension and abnormal lipid profile.