Moderating effect of bone maturation on the relationship between body fat and insulin resistance

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the present study was to analyze the moderating effect of maturation on the relationship between body fat and insulin resistance, in children from 9 to 12 years. Methods Maturity offset, homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and body fat percentage (BF%) were estimated in 127 children. Skeletal maturation indicator (SMI) was estimated in 105 participants. A moderation analysis based on a linear regression and on Johnson-Neyman technique was performed using a 95% confidence level. Results BF%, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR values were lower in late maturers than on-time maturers (p<0.05). SMI moderated the relationship between BF% and HOMA-IR index in 11.1% of boys and in 32.5% of girls (p<0.05). Also, the highest values of HOMA-IR index were observed at −1 year to achieve the peak height velocity, in girls (p<0.05). Conclusions Maturation process has a moderation effect on the relationship BF% and insulin resistance, particularly in early maturers; furthermore, it was independently associated with HOMA-IR.