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

Aim: 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.