Added sugar and trans fatty acid intake and sedentary behavior were associated with excess total-body and central adiposity in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease

Background Over the past three decades, the prevalence rate of overweight and obesity has increased in survivors with congenital heart disease, and little is known about the body composition and its association with clinical characteristics and lifestyle factors. Objectives To evaluate excess total-body adiposity and central adiposity and, to describe associated factors. Methods Cross-sectional study with children and adolescents who underwent procedure to treat congenital heart disease, from January to July 2017. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and lifestyle factors (dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behavior) were assessed. Adiposity was assessed using air-displacement plethysmography and waist circumference. Factors associated with excess total-body adiposity and central adiposity were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results Of 232 patients, 22.4% were identified with excess total-body adiposity and 24.6% with central adiposity. Significant factors positively associated with excess total-body adiposity were intake of added sugar and trans fatty acids, adjusted for confounding factors. Similarly, lifestyle factors were positively associated with central adiposity: intake of added sugar and trans fatty acids, sedentary behavior, and family history of obesity. Conclusions Lifestyle factors were associated with excess total-body adiposity and central adiposity. Assessment of body composition and healthy-lifestyle counseling into outpatient care may be the key point to prevent obesity in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease.