Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, Paediatric Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Risk Factors Among Children in the Age Group of 10-16 Years in Private Schools of Shimla City

Abstract

BACKGROUND Paediatric obesity is a complex and growing global problem which is escalating much more rapidly in developing countries like India and considered an important predecessor to NCD multi-morbidity due to changing life style as a result of rapid urbanisation and mechanisation. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, paediatric metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors among children in the age group of 10-16 years in private schools of Shimla city. MATERIALS AND METHODS At total of 2100 adolescents attending school (aged 10-16 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. All the anthropometric, clinical and biochemical assessment was done after proper consent. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was assessed by using IOTF guidelines and the metabolic syndrome was determined by the Paediatric International Diabetic Federation definition modified for age group. RESULTS The prevalence of overweight, obesity and paediatric metabolic syndrome was 14.5%, 4.1% & 4.3% respectively. In the groups with PMS, hypertension, waist circumference, and TG were significantly higher, and HDL-C was significantly lower. Significant difference was observed in gender, physical activity level, metabolic equivalent, consumption of junk food & time spent on TV in the distribution of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the possible role of change in the dietary pattern and physical activity pattern in the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome in early stage of life. Collective efforts of parents and schools are required to institute early preventive measures to reduce progression towards obesity and its future complications.

Metabolic syndrome and obesity among marginalised school-going adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

“… 37 Therefore, even individuals with a normal weight are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, particularly in the Asian population. 38 The higher prevalence of MetS among lean individuals could be attributed to various factors. First, ethnicity and genetics might play a role in the development of MetS.…”

“…Certain populations, such as Asians, have abdominal obesity, which is associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and other components of MetS. 38 Second, the nutritional status and dietary patterns of individuals in resource-poor areas may contribute to the development of MetS. Limited access to nutritious food, coupled with a high consumption of energy-dense, processed, and unhealthy foods, can lead to metabolic imbalances and increased risk of MetS.…”