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High intra-abdominal fat linked to metabolic syndrome development

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The accumulation of intra-abdominal fat may lead to the development of metabolic syndrome in adolescence, according to the results of new data.

Researchers from England and Canada conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study of 324 adolescent boys and girls aged 12 to 18 years to determine the connection between intra-abdominal adiposity and individualized elements of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome was detected in 13.8% of boys and 8.3% of girls with high intra-abdominal fat, though patients with low intra-abdominal fat had no signs of the syndrome. The researchers found that excess intra-abdominal fat was linked to a higher homeostasis model assessment index (0.5; P<.001) and tri-glycerides level (17.7 mg/dL; P<.001), lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (-3.9 mg/dL; P=.003) and higher C-reactive protein level (0.03 mg/L; P=.003).

High intra-abdominal fat was linked to elevated blood pressure and sympathetic activity only in boys (higher systolic BP = 6 mmHg; P=.02 and low-frequency power of diastolic BP = 629 mmHg²; P=.04), according to the study. – by Stacey L. Adams

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med.2008;162:453-461.