Comparative evaluation of obesity-related parameters in junior sumo wrestlers and children with obesity

Abstract

[Purpose] Exercise is a key factor in preventing obesity and metabolic syndrome. Sumo wrestlers increase their body size from childhood for athletic advantage; however, the risk of metabolic syndrome in junior sumo wrestlers is undetermined. Preventive measures against pediatric obesity should be initiated during childhood to prevent obesity in adulthood, considering its high global incidence. We comparatively evaluated the risk factors for metabolic syndrome in junior sumo wrestlers and children with obesity.[Methods] We enrolled 70 male children (age 9–17 years [sumo group, n = 14] and 9–14 years [other sports and non-exercise groups, n = 28 each]) and evaluated their anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index z-score, obesity rate, waist circumference, waist to height ratio) and hematological parameters (total, low-density, high-density, and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; triglycerides; plasma glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels).[Results] The BMI z-score, obesity rate, waist circumference (p < 0.05, along with the non-exercise group), and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher and the high-density cholesterol level was lower in the sumo group than in the other sports group (p < 0.05). The waist to height ratio was significantly higher in the non-exercise group than in the other sports group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in other blood lipid, plasma glucose (significantly lower level than the reference range in the sumo group, p < 0.05), and glycated hemoglobin (within the reference range in all groups) levels among the three groups.[Conclusion] Junior sumo wrestlers had a larger body size and higher blood pressure than children with obesity who exercised regularly. This provides direction for future research into targeted preventive interventions against metabolic syndrome for junior sumo wrestlers with large body size.

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is independently associated with the bioelectrical impedance phase angle in junior sumo wrestlers: A pilot study

“…In this study, we hypothesized that alterations in metabolic parameters and HbA1c levels are associated with variations in PhA, which could explain an individual's health condition by increasing or decreasing the degree of PhA. This hypothesis was supported by findings from our previous study (Ogawa et al, 2021), which demonstrated significant differences in metabolic parameters, including WC, obesity rate, BMI, SBP, and HDL-C compared to other sports groups of children. Some studies have shown a considerable association between bioelectrical impedance PhA and metabolic parameters, including HbA1c in adults (Barrea et al, 2016;Choi et al, 2020;Dittmar et al, 2015;Longo et al, 2021;Moreto et al, 2017); however, no study has shown this association in junior sumo wrestlers who despite their young age and physical activity have a higher body mass than normal children.…”

“…According to a previous study (Ogawa et al, 2021) in the junior sumo group, HDL-C, TG, and blood glucose levels were lower, but SBP was higher than the reference values. However, no substantial difference was observed in HbA1c levels.…”

“…These diseases are associated with damage to the body's cells, causing a decrease in the capacity of cells to capture electrical energy (Dittmar et al., 2015; Gupta et al., 2008; Gupta, Lammersfeld, et al., 2004; Gupta, Lis, et al., 2004; Kumar et al., 2014; Norman et al., 2012; Zdolsek et al., 2000). According to a previous study (Ogawa et al., 2021) in the junior sumo group, HDL‐C, TG, and blood glucose levels were lower, but SBP was higher than the reference values. However, no substantial difference was observed in HbA1c levels.…”

“…In a previous study (Ogawa et al., 2021 ), almost no differences were found in the levels of metabolic parameters between junior sumo wrestlers and other sports groups of children, except for WC (higher than other sports groups), HDL‐C (lower than other sports groups), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (higher than other sports groups). However, this previous study (Ogawa et al., 2021 ) did not measure the phase angle (PhA) value nor did it explore the potential relationship between PhA and metabolic parameters within this cohort of children. PhA has been used as a predictive biomarker for cellular health and integrity, and it is an early sign of clinical complications (Barrea et al., 2019 ).…”

“…MetS is associated with the following metabolic factors: a rise in BP; an increase in fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TG, and WC; and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (Panda, 2019). In a previous study (Ogawa et al, 2021), almost no differences were found in the levels of metabolic parameters between junior sumo wrestlers and other sports groups of children, except for WC (higher than other sports groups), HDL-C (lower than other sports groups), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (higher than other sports groups). However, this previous study (Ogawa et al, 2021) did not measure the phase angle (PhA) value nor did it explore the potential relationship between PhA and metabolic parameters within this cohort of children.…”