Risk factors associated with the development of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents

Objective: To analyze the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors among children and adolescents, and their association with metabolic syndrome. Methods: This was an analytical, quantitative study using a stratified sample of 421 children and adolescents from 9 - 19 years of age, selected by simple random sampling in 12 municipal public schools located in the Northeast region of Brazil. Physical inactivity and weight excess were the factors investigated. Metabolic syndrome was identified based on the adopted criteria for age. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 4.1%; sedentary lifestyle was 30.2%; and weight excess was 20.5%. Higher values of body mass index were associated with the presence of the syndrome. Mean blood pressure, triglycerides, blood glucose, and waist circumference were increased in 11.9%, 20.9%, 0.5%, 8.6% of the sample, respectively; 26.1% presented low HDL-c. Conclusion: A substantial portion of those involved presented the risk factors assessed, as well as weight excess association with the components of the syndrome.