# Lipid metabolism in overweight/obese children vs. normal weight children in a north-eastern region of Spain

## TL;DR

Overweight and obese children aged 8–12 in Spain show worse lipid profiles and higher risk for diabetes and heart disease compared to normal weight children.

## Contribution

The study identifies early metabolic abnormalities in overweight/obese children linked to future diabetes and cardiovascular risks.

## Key findings

- Overweight/obese children had higher triglycerides, insulin, and lower HDL cholesterol compared to normal weight children.
- Overweight/obese children showed higher atherogenic lipid markers and insulin resistance indicators.
- Early obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

## Abstract

Obesity and overweight have increased in children and adolescents in Europe in the recent years, accounting for a major global public health problem. The objective of this study was the early detection of metabolic abnormalities in overweight/obese children (8–12 years old) that may ultimately induce impaired glucose metabolism and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Lipid metabolism and metabolic control parameters were measured and monitored in a group of 61 male and female children with overweight/obesity and a group of 45 healthy, normal weight children, comparing the results obtained. Ages ranged from 8 to 12 years.

Higher levels of triglycerides and insulin and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 were observed in overweight/obese children, as compared to normal weight children. Overweight/obese children exhibited higher apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio, triglyceride-glucose ratio and HOMA index and a lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol/apolipoprotein B ratio.

Obesity at an early age (8–12 years) negatively affects lipid parameters. Hence, overweight/obese children presented a more atherogenic lipid profile, manifested as higher concentrations of remnant particles and small dense LDL particles, higher insulin resistance and a higher risk for developing diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular disease, as compared to normal weight children.