Early predictors of metabolic syndrome found prior to puberty

The 11th International Congress on Obesity

Potential early markers of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome were observed in healthy children as young as age 7 years, according to a study presented at the International Congress on Obesity.

Early predictors included intramyocellular lipids, intrahepatic lipids, visceral fat, high LDL, hypertension, minimal physical activity and low birth weight.

“Although some risk factors cannot be changed, pregnancy weight, birth weight and physical activity can all be modified and are targets for early intervention to prevent or delay insulin resistance and reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome,” Melinda Sothern, PhD, professor of public health and director of health promotion at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, said in a press release.

The aim of the study was to assess potential correlates of insulin sensitivity, fasting insulin and insulin resistance, and to determine the best predictive model in children. The ongoing study included 105 healthy, prepubertal children aged 7 to 9 years (54 boys; 69 white). All were in Tanner puberty stage 2 or earlier and had body fat ranging from 12% to 50%.

“A genetic predisposition for metabolic syndrome with risk factors occurring early in life makes it even more important to control the risk factors that we can such as being physically active and maintaining healthy weight,” Sothern said.

Markers that precede metabolic syndrome and mechanisms that explain these relationships have yet to be identified, according to the researchers. They postulated that these mechanisms may originate in the intrauterine environment, be exacerbated in susceptible populations and be further promoted by a genetic predisposition.

For more information:

Sothern M. Presented at: The 11th International Congress on Obesity; July 11-15, 2010; Stockholm.

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