Anthropometry and physical activity level in the prediction of metabolic syndrome in children

• Published in: Public health nutrition Vol. 17; no. 10; pp. 2287 - 2294
• Main Authors: Andaki, Alynne Christian Ribeiro, Tinôco, Adelson Luiz Araújo, Mendes, Edmar Lacerda, Andaki Júnior, Roberto, Hills, Andrew P, Amorim, Paulo Roberto S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.10.2014
• Subjects: Actigraphy; Adiposity; Blood pressure; Body fat; Body Mass Index; Brazil - epidemiology; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Clinical medicine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Education; Epidemiology; Exercise; Female; GDP; Gender differences; Gross Domestic Product; Humans; Hypertension; Insulin resistance; Lifestyles; Male; Metabolic disorders; Metabolic syndrome; Metabolic Syndrome - diagnosis; Metabolic Syndrome - epidemiology; Motor Activity; Overweight - diagnosis; Overweight - epidemiology; Pediatric Obesity - diagnosis; Pediatric Obesity - epidemiology; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Schools; Sex Factors; Skinfold Thickness; Socioeconomic factors; Urban Health; Waist Circumference; Brazil; United States > US; CVD; Child; Receiver-operating characteristic curve
• ISSN: 1368-9800; 1475-2727
• DOI: 10.1017/S136898001300253X

To evaluate the effectiveness of anthropometric measures and physical activity level in the prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children. Cross-sectional study with children from public and private schools. Children underwent an anthropometric assessment, blood pressure measurement and biochemical evaluation of serum for determination of TAG, HDL-cholesterol and glucose. Physical activity level was calculated and number of steps per day obtained using a pedometer for seven consecutive days. Viçosa, south-eastern Brazil. Boys and girls (n 187), mean age 9·90 (SD 0·7) years. Conicity index, sum of four skinfolds, physical activity level and number of steps per day were accurate in predicting MetS in boys. Anthropometric indicators were accurate in predicting MetS for girls, specifically BMI, waist circumference measured at the narrowest point and at the level of the umbilicus, four skinfold thickness measures evaluated separately, the sum of subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness, the sum of four skinfolds and body fat percentage. The sum of four skinfolds was the most accurate method in predicting MetS in both genders.