Anthropometric measurements and body composition analysis of obese adolescents with and without metabolic syndrome

Obesity and risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) are rapidly increasing in children. Therefore, criteria for MS were aimed to be evaluated in obese children (OC). Materials and methods: Anthropometric indices and body composition (bioimpedance) analysis (BIA) were compared in 32 obese and 32 normal-weight children. Biochemical parameters were evaluated in OC. Results of OC with/without MS were compared. Results: Subscapular skinfold thickness (SST) was more sensitive and specific than triceps skinfold thickness in the diagnosis of obesity. According to BIA basal metabolism rate, fat mass (FM), FM%, and FM index were higher, while impedance, FFM%, fat-free-mass (FFM) index, and total-body-water% were lower in OC. Significant positive correlations were found between SST and waist (W) (P = 0.026, r = 0.392), hip (H) (P = 0.004, r = 0.491), and W/height ratio (WHR) (P = 0.002, r = 0.523). Increased body mass index (BMI), W, WHR, and SGPT in conjunction with decreased FFM index and HDL-cholesterol levels were the most important features in OC with MS. Significant negative correlations were found between HDL levels and W (P = 0.001, r = -0.571), H (P = 0.012, r = -0.437), and WHR (P = 0.004, r = -0.49). Conclusion: In obesity SST is sensitive and specific and a valuable marker for central obesity like W, H, and WHR. Mild SGPT level elevation in OC with MS may be due to low HDL level and hepatosteatosis.