Obesity and Metabolic Complications in 10-12 year-old children in a Primary school in Iztapalapa in Mexico City

Abstract

The presence of metabolic complications such as insulin resistance and alterations in leptin levels related to obesity has been reported. As a result a group of chronic diseases and risk factors characteristic of adults have appeared in children and adolescents. Objective: To analyze the relationship between obesity and metabolic complications in 10-12 year-old children. Material and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out. The group of study was 223 children from 10 to 12 years old studying in a primary school located in the eastern Mexico City. Anthropometric assessment was performed in three different categories according to their body mass index (BMI); appropriate BMI below 85th percentile, overweight from 85th-95th percentile and above the 95th percentile the child is considered obese. The results were compared to the reference of The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), World Health Organization (WHO). Central obesity, waist circumference > 90th percentile and the insulin resistance index was determined by HOMA (Homeostasis Model Basement) and leptin levels by RIA techniques. Rating dietary habits and physical activity. Results: The results report a positive association between elevated body mass index with insulin resistance and high levels of leptin in children. Children consume energy-dense diets. 57% did not practice any sports being girls the most sedentary. Conclusion: Obese children at very early ages show signs of metabolic syndrome which may make greater morbidity of chronic diseases such as cardio vascular and metabolic diseases in later stages.