The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in obese children

Childhood Obesity poses a public health problem in Ireland. Complications associated include metabolic disease and cardiovascular disease risk. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of obese Irish children. Assessments were performed on obese children attending weight management clinic. Pedometers and self report physical activity questionnaires were administered to each participant to determine physical activity levels. Fifty-nine children (21 prepubertal and 38 pubertal/post-pubertal) were metabolically profiled. Mean–SD of z scores for BMI, Waist Circumference and Body Fat % were +3.29–0.48, +3.98–0.73 and +2.75–0.50 respectively. 43% (n=9) prepubertal and 68% (n=26) pubertal/postpubertal children had at least one other cardiovascular risk factor in addition to obesity. Increased moderatea-vigorous physical activity levels correlated with reduced incidence of cardiovascular risk factors. There is a significant prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among obese pre-pubertal children and pubertal/post-pubertal adolescents attending an Irish obesity clinic.