Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Adolescents and Their Association with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Life-style

Abstract

Increasing prevalence of obesity as one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is currently observed worldwide not only in the adult population, but also amongst children and adolescents. In this study, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a sample of 2,629 adolescents (45.8% boys) aged 14-18 years is presented. Selected cardiometabolic markers were compared between a normal-weight group and overweight/obesity group with regard to physical fitness and selected life-style factors. A basic anthropometric examination aimed at overweight/obesity was performed; overall cardio-fitness was evaluated using Ruffier test. Blood lipids, blood glucose, C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels from venous blood samples were analyzed; LDL-cholesterol and plasma atherogenic index (log TG/HDL-cholesterol) were calculated. Blood pressure and heart rate at rest were measured; a comprehensive questionnaire focused mostly on selected lifestyle characteristics completed the examination. In the range of overweight/obesity were 30.7% of boys (13.1% were obese) and 22.9% of girls (7.9% were obese). Adolescents in the range of overweight/obesity had significantly worse biochemical indicators excluding blood glucose and homocysteine levels. This group had significantly higher mean blood pressure, resting heart rate (boys significantly) and greater cardio-fitness insufficiency. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 5.5% of overweight/obese adolescents. More frequent and more regular food consumption daily, significantly higher mean number of meals a day, no significantly extended duration of weekly leisure time physical activity, less time spent watching TV and, in boys, longer sleep duration were observed in the group with normal weight. Our results confirmed higher cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome prevalence in the adolescent overweight/obesity group and the need for intensive primary prevention and intervention aimed in particular at obesity prevention from the youngest age groups onwards.