Risk of Metabolic Syndrome among Children and Adolescents Residing in Mumbai

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is defined as a constellation of metabolic disturbances including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension leading to type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of the present study is to assess the risk of MS among children (9-12yrs) and adolescents (13-15 years) residing in urban Mumbai. Out of 368 participants screened for BMI, WC and family history of lifestyle diseases, eighty nine including 49 children and 40 adolescents were identified to be at risk of developing MS. Information on anthropometry, body composition, biochemical and clinical markers of MS was obtained using suitable methodologies. Results showed normal BMI, but high WC, WHR and total body fat percent among the participants along with interesting gender and/ or age specific differences. Boys had a significantly higher mean waist circumference as compared to girls (x²= 10.913, p=0.001) indicating a trend of abdominal obesity. The total body fat percent was higher among younger boys than adolescents where as girls showed an opposite trend. Varied trends in biochemical profile included higher TG levels in Girls (9-12 yrs) than boys and lower HDL cholesterol level in boys . Various clinical markers of MS such as Acanthosis Nigricans (90%), hirsutism (>50%) and rebound obesity were identified among the participants. Thus the study emphasizes a need for identification of MS early in life that would facilitate effective prevention strategies to ensure healthy future for youngsters.