Circunferência da cintura, índice de massa corporal e fatores de risco cardiovascular na adolescência

Abstract

Although waist circumference (WC) has been suggested to be a more reliable cardiovascular risk factor than body mass index (BMI) and other indicators of adiposity, these results are not conclusive for an exclusively pediatric population. The objective of this study was to associate WC and BMI with cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents. The sample consisted of 108 boys and 133 girls (aged 12 to 16 years). WC and BMI were measured using standard anthropometric procedures. The cardiovascular risk factors analyzed were blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c and triglycerides. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). Girls with increased BMI presented a higher odds ratio of undesirable blood pressure levels (OR: 4.29; 95%CI: 1.66-14.58). The odds ratio of elevated blood pressure (OR: 4.12; 95%CI: 1.27-13.35) and undesirable total cholesterol (OR: 3.6; 95%CI:1.1-11.76) was higher in girls with increased WC. Despite the few associations observed, especially in boys, these anthropometric indicators might be useful for the identification and selection of individuals presenting elevated values, permitting intervention in terms of the incorporation of healthy dietary habits and physical activity, especially among young individuals.