Evaluation of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: It is reported that there are more than 340 million people who are either overweight or obese aged between 5-19. Obesity starting in childhood and adolescence leads up to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and hastens the atherosclerotic process. The aim of our study is to evaluate risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese adolescents. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised overweight and obese adolescents aged 11–18 years. After taking all anthropometric measurements and blood samples; cardiovascular risk according to the REGODCI scoring system and prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation were examined. Results: 150 overweight and obese adolescents were included. 115 (76.70%) subjects were determined as obese. MetS was seen in 22% (n=33); cardiometabolic risk (CMR) was seen in 46.60% (n=80) of the participants. A statistically significant difference between systolic blood pressure, TG/HDL, and BMI of participants diagnosed with MetS was detected (p = 0.040, p= 0.012, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant correlation was found between CMR and participants’ BMI, TG/HDL, waist-hip ratio (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p= 0.034, respectively). According to the ROC analysis for MetS, the area under the curve was 0.826, the cutoff value was 2.59 with 72% sensitivity and 72% specificity; and for the CMR the area under the curve was 0.652, the cutoff value was 2.06 with 65% sensitivity and 63% specificity. Conclusion: Obesity is an independent risk factor for both MetS and CMR, and it should be treated immediately after diagnosis. TG/HDL ratio may use as a predictor factor for MetS (over 2.59) and for CMR (over 2.06) in overweight and obese adolescents.