The Influence of Obesity on Puberty and Insulin Resistance in Mexican Children

Abstract

Obesity is considered the main risk factor associated with the development of insulin resistance (IR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of obesity on puberty onset and IR in Mexican children. A total of 378 children (189 boys and 189 girls) aged 8–14 years participated in the study. IR was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR). The mean fasting glucose (FG) and basal insulin levels were 82 mg/dl and 11.0 μIU/ml in boys and 77.3 mg/dl and 12.3 μIU/ml in girls (P < 0.05). Subjects with obesity at Tanner stages II–V showed increased FG levels (P < 0.05). In boys with obesity, there was a decrease in HOMA-IR in Tanner stage IV and differences in age between boys with normal weight and those with obesity in Tanner V, being older the boys with obesity. Obesity in children and adolescents was associated with higher HOMA-IR values. In boys with obesity, IR increased at the end of pubertal maturation, with a delay in puberty. These findings should be considered on the establishment of IR cutoff values for pubertal population in Mexico and in the establishment of strategies to prevent the health problems related to obesity.

Optimal Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) Cut-Offs: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Czech Population

“…In boys with obesity, IR increased at the end of pubertal maturation, with a delay in puberty. These findings should be taken into account when establishing HOMA-IR cut-offs for the pubescent population [19]. Therefore, the use and interpretation of HOMA-IR scores in adolescents should be considered together with their state of pubertal maturation.…”

Proof on Concept on the Consumption of a Beverage with Ancestral Mexican Corn and Bean Flour and its Cardiometabolic Effects on Adolescents with Obesity

“…In correspondance, an initial HOMA index of 3.62 ± 0.61 and final of 5.18 ± 2.43, indicated high risk of insulin resistance [24,37]. This insulin resistance is also a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and, together with obesity, increases the risk of developing dyslipidemias [38,40].…”

A Comparison of Short Sleep Duration and Insulin Resistance Association in Children Aged 13-15 Years Old and 16-18 Years Old

“…Several stages of pubertal maturation are associated with increased insulin secretion and the HOMA-IR index, and it is generally expected that these changes will return to average values by the end of puberty. In children with obesity, resistance increases significantly at puberty [25].…”

“…Increasing age is considered to affect the Association, environment, school schedule, daily activities, and psychosocial conditions of adolescents, and all of these will affect a person's sleep duration [15,16]. Reduced sleep duration will affect insulin resistance in all adolescents, but the impact will be more significant in adolescents with obesity [25]. This is because obese adolescents have much adipose tissue, which is the pathogenesis of insulin resistance by releasing metabolites, hormones, and adipocytokines that can affect insulin activity.…”