Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Tunisian overweight and obese children.

Aims: To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its parameters in a cohort of overweight and obese Tunisian schoolchildren and to investigate the involvement of leptin, and insulin in MS development via obesity.

Methods: A total of 306 schoolchildren between 10- 12 years: obese (n=35), overweight (n=99) and normal weight (n=172) were included in the study. Height, weight, waist circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A blood sample was collected from each subject to measure glycemia, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, leptin and insulin. MS diagnosis was based on criteria of  the International Diabetes Federation.

Results: Prevalence of MS was 14.3% in obese children compared to 1% in overweight and 0% in controls (p0.001). Abdominal obesity and hypertension  were the most frequent parameters (88.6% and 25.7% respectively) in obese children. Leptin levels were significantly higher in children with MS (p0.001). In obese children, leptin was positively correlated to waist circumference (r=0.55; p=0.001) and insulin (r=0.52; p=0.002). After adjustment for BMI, leptin remained correlated with insulin (r=0.47; p0.001).

Conclusion: MS is relatively common among Tunisian overweight and obese children. Obesity is an important risk factor for MS development. Early management of childhood obesity is necessary to avoid metabolic complications.