Anthropometric and Metabolic Characteristics of Overweight and Normal Weight Preschoolers: a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine metabolic characteristics of normal weight and overweight 2-5 year old children and to collect data pertinent to energy intake. Design and methods: Study participants (2-5years) (n=103) were recruited when they arrived for full mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia. Height and weight were measured. After induction of anesthesia, waist circumference was measured and fasting bloods drawn (lipids, glucose, insulin and CRP). BMI, WCHtR and HOMA-IR were calculated. Metabolic and anthropometric characteristics were compared between normal and overweight children. Statistical comparisons were performed using two-sided t-tests or chi-square test. Block food frequency questionnaires were completed by the caretakers. Results: 34.4% (n =33) of participants were overweight. WCHtR was 0.05 units higher and both LDL and total cholesterol were high in the overweight group. WCHtR positively correlated with BMI z-score, WC, HOMA-IR, insulin, glucose, and CRP (r=0.75, 0.67, 0.31, 0.29, 0.25, 0.32, 0.33, respectively) and negatively correlated with HDL (r=-0.30). Conclusions: Among 2-5 year old with poor dental health, the prevalence of BMI ≥ 85 th percentile is very high and abnormalities in cardiovascular risk factors are already present. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating an association between waist circumference to height ratio and CRP and insulin resistance in children less than 5 years. Overweight preschoolers should be screened for associated cardiovascular markers such as abnormal lipid profile.