Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce insulin resistance and triglycerides in obese children and adolescents.

Background: Approximately 50% of obese children are insulin resistant. It has been suggested that pharmacological and nutritional options should be considered to improve the management of insulin resistance (IR).

Objective: To assess the effect of metformin (Met) or omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, lipid profile, and body mass index (BMI) of obese children.

Insulin resistance and its association with the components of the metabolic syndrome among obese children and adolescents.

Background: Insulin resistance is the primary metabolic disorder associated with obesity; yet little is known about its role as a determinant of the metabolic syndrome in obese children. The aim of this study is to assess the association between the degree of insulin resistance and the different components of the metabolic syndrome among obese children and adolescents.

Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional and population-based study was performed in forty-four public primary schools in Campeche City, Mexico.