Ethnicity and comorbidities in an overweight and obese multiethnic childhood cohort in Berlin

Aim: This study aims to analyse the association between ethnicity, elevated metabolic parameters and metabolic syndrome (MS) in a multiethnic cohort of overweight to obese children and adolescents. Methods: For 1053 patients, standard deviation of body mass index (BMI-SDS) was calculated and metabolic parameters (fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-IR, lipids, blood pressure) were measured. MS was defined by WHO criteria. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Adjusted differences in BMI-SDS and metabolic parameters between different migration groups were assessed with linear regression models. The risk for MS was calculated with multiple logistic regression models. Results: Forty-eight per cent of the children were German, 25% Turkish and 27% had another ethnicity. Concerning weight status, 23% are overweight, 31% obese and 46% extremely obese with higher rates among the immigrant population. Multivariable models indicate significant associations between elevated metabolic parameters and higher BMI-SDS values. Overall prevalence of MS was 32.3%. MS was detected significantly more often among Turkish patients (40.4%) compared to Germans (27.3%; p = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis showed a greater risk for MS with older age (OR = 1.09; p = 0.003) and Turkish ethnicity (OR = 1.62; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Nearly all patients had symptoms of MS, and 40% had MS showing that this highly health-threatening condition is quite common. Therefore, effective therapy and prevention efforts must be developed for this high risk group. More migration-specific research regarding insulin resistance, MS and Type 2 DM is needed.