Prevalence and predictors of insulin resistance in obese children aged 5–10
Keywords:
Childhood obesity, insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, waist circumference, dyslipidemia, metabolic risk, screen time...Abstract
Background: Insulin resistance is increasingly more common in children, with childhood obesity further compounding the problem. Early identification is crucial in this population, given that the peri-diabetic metabolic syndromes begin developing years before the onset of diabetes itself. If we are to act with precision in developing preventative strategies, we first need to assess the incidence of insulin resistance in very young children, and to identify factors that elevate the risk within this age cohort.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out at Bakhtawar Amin Medical & Dental College Multan from June 2022 to June 2023. A total of 72 obese children aged 5–10 years were enrolled. Clinical examination, anthropometric measurements and fasting laboratory tests were performed. Insulin resistance was assessed using the HOMA-IR formula, with a value greater than 2.5 considered positive. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical tests, and predictors were examined through logistic regression.
Results: Insulin resistance was identified in 38 children (52.8%). Children with insulin resistance had higher waist circumference, greater waist-height ratio and more abnormal lipid levels. High triglycerides, low HDL, acanthosis nigricans and screen time beyond two hours per day were notable predictors. Waist circumference showed the strongest association, while BMI alone was less reliable in predicting insulin resistance.
Conclusion: A considerable proportion of obese children in the 5–10 year age group already show biochemical signs of insulin resistance. Central obesity, lipid abnormalities and certain lifestyle factors appear to contribute to this early metabolic shift. Routine assessment of these indicators in young obese children may support earlier intervention and reduce future health risks..
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