Risk factors and predictive biomarkers of early cardiovascular disease in obese youth

Abstract

Obesity in childhood and adolescence continues to be a major health issue due to significant health implications and to the economic burden that arise from treating this disease and its complications. Current data show that childhood obesity is no longer just a concern for developed countries, but more significantly affecting developing countries. In adult population, cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality and morbidity among obese patients. It is therefore believed that risk factors found in adult patients could also be observed in obese youth. These risk factors will then persist and become progressively worse if obese youth remain obese as they reach adulthood. However, risk reduction is achievable through various prevention and management strategies of obesity and obese children who become nonobese in adulthood have a significant reduction in their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.New biomarkers to improve risk assessment in obese youth are an open research field, which will eventually lead to a more targeted approach in prevention and treatment. Nevertheless, there is still a need for continuous research in understanding the roles of these biomarkers and their potential in risk prediction. Cardiovascular risk modification of childhood obesity depends on a more concerted effort among the various parties involved and particularly a global collaboration to stop the rising prevalence of the epidemic in developing countries.

Childhood obesity: an overview of laboratory medicine, exercise and microbiome

“…In conclusion, childhood obesity has both significant short-term and long-term consequences on the cardiovascular system, which may be mediated through the development of cardiovascular risk factors and circulating mediators produced by adipose tissue [152,165]. Appropriate strategies should be implemented to counteract the progress of childhood obesity, considering that its cardiovascular effects may be reversible if children normalize their weight before adulthood.…”

Steno type 1 risk engine and preclinical atherosclerosis in Mediterranean individuals with type 1 diabetes

“…11 Other approaches, such as studying image biomarkers, could overcome this important limitation. 12 Preclinical atherosclerosis can be non-invasively characterized by carotid ultrasound, which is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. [13][14][15] According to recent guidelines, individuals with carotid plaque are considered a very-high-risk population, requiring highintensity cardioprotective therapy.…”

Effects of the Order of Physical Exercises on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents Participating in an Interdisciplinary Program Focusing on the Treatment of Obesity

“…The literature has indicated that, by 2015, more than 100 million children and adolescents worldwide were classified as obese in both developed and developing countries (Lee and Yoon, 2018). Furthermore, obesity in adolescence exponentially increases the risks of developing other diseases, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases in adulthood (Ho et al, 2019).…”