Comparative Analysis of Cardio Metabolic Risk Factors in Context of Insulin Resistance among South Indian Obese and Non-obese Adolescents

Background: Presently, it is of an utmost importance to know the prevalence of cardio metabolic risk factors and insulin resistance among obese adolescents in south Indian population, where genetic predisposition to obesity is high. This knowledge would enable us to take preventive measures as well as health education that can be implemented much early in school going adolescents.

Aim and Objectives: To study the prevalence of cardio metabolic risk factors in obese adolescent age group (11-18 years) and to correlate these cardio metabolic risk factors with insulin resistance among them.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 adolescents (two groups: obese versus non-obese healthy controls) were selected for this cross-sectional study. Obesity was defined as per BMI at 95th percentile. Both groups were analysed for anthropometric parameters: body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and other relevant biochemical parameters viz. glucose (fasting), insulin (fasting), lipid profile and insulin resistance by Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR). Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson’s correlation analysis using SPSS 16.0.

Results: The data depicts the prevalence of three or more than three cardio metabolic risk factors among obese adolescents (36.7%). BMI and WC were significantly higher among obese as compared to non-obese adolescents (P<0.001). Similarly, fasting glucose (P<0.05), insulin, insulin resistance (HOMAIR) were significantly increased among obese adolescents (P<0.001). Insulin resistance was having better correlation with BMI, WHR and mean arterial BP.

Conclusion: The result of the study clearly suggested a high prevalence of cardio metabolic risk factors among obese adolescents with elevation in insulin level and insulin resistance.