Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents with Different Degrees of Obesity

Background: There have been few studies on cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with different degrees of obesity. Objective: To evaluate metabolic effects associated with different degrees of obesity in adolescents and their impact on cardiovascular risks. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 80 obese adolescents, divided in two groups: 2<z-BMI<2.5 and z-BMI >= 2.5, classified as obese with lower or higher degree of obesity, respectively. Physical examination was carried out, as well as biochemical and body composition assessment. The statistical analysis was performed with t-Student and Chi-square tests, aiming at comparing both groups. A multiple logistic model was used to verify the associations between the biochemical variables and the degree of obesity. Risk scores were developed for cardiovascular disease, according to the number of alterations found in the following variables: fasting glycemia, triglycerides, HDL and blood pressure. Association between these scores and degree of obesity were verified. Results: The two groups differed regarding weight, waist circumference, fasting glycemia and insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure (BP) and body composition measurements (p<0.05). The adolescents with the higher degree of obesity presented higher frequencies of alterations for glycemia, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, HDL and BP (p<0.05). The logistic model showed associations between the degree of obesity and the variables: HDL (OR=5.43), BP (OR=4.29), TG (OR=3.12). The risk score demonstrated that 57.7% of the adolescents with higher degrees of obesity had two or more metabolic alterations versus 16.7% from the other group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The degree of obesity influenced the onset of alterations that comprise the metabolic syndrome, increasing the cardiovascular risk. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2011;96(3):205-211)