Relationship between Body Mass Index and Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors among US 8- to 14-Year-Olds, 1999 to 2002

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors (MSRF) and examine the relationship between body mass index and the prevalence of ≥3 MSRF in 8- to 11- and 12- to 14-year-old age groups. Study design: Combined 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were analyzed (N = 1698). Prevalence of normal weight, at-risk for overweight, and overweight were determined. Prevalence of ≥3 MSRF (abnormal waist circumference, glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) were reported using (1) an age, sex, and ethnicity-adjusted and (2) a crude profile (no adjustments). Results: Among overweight 8- to 11-year-old children, 6.5% (95% CI, 3.82 to 10.86) had ≥3 MSRF using the crude profile and 9.51% (95% CI 5.59 to 15.71) using the adjusted profile. Among overweight 12- to 14-year-olds, 43.76% (95% CI, 33.27 to 54.85) had ≥3 MSRF using the crude profile and 26.28% (95% CI, 16.71 to 38.78) using the adjusted profile. Conclusions: A substantial number of overweight 8- to 14-year-olds have ≥3 MSRF, indicating that overweight in early adolescence may put children at risk for adult-onset cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes well before they become teenagers.