Correlation between metabolic and body composition variables in female adolescents

Abstract

Background: Analysis of metabolic alterations and body composition in adolescents.

Objectives: To study the correlation of serum levels of lipids, glycemia, insulin, homocysteine, HOMA-IR and blood pressure among themselves and with body variables.

Methods: Data concerning glycemia, total cholesterol and fractions (LDL, HDL and VLDL), triacylglycerols, insulin, homocysteine and blood pressure were measured in 100 adolescents at the age range of 14 to 17 years, who had already had menarche and attended the public schools in Vicosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The percentage of body fat (%BF) was evaluated by horizontal bioimpedance.

Results: In relation to nutritional status, 83%, 11% and 6%, respectively were eutrophic (EU), presented overweight/overweight risk (OW/OR) or low weight (LW) (CDC/NCHS, 2000) and 61% presented high percentage of BF. Total cholesterol presented the highest percentage of inadequacy (57%), followed by HDL (50%), LDL (47%) and triacylglycerols (22%). Inadequacy in 11%, 9%, 5% and 4% were observed in relation to insulin resistance, insulin, blood pressure and glycemia, respectively. For total cholesterol, insulin, HOMA-IR and nutritional state, OW/OR>LW (p<0.05). For body composition and nutritional status, OW/OR>EU>LW (p <0.001). Some positive and strong correlations were found between BMI and the anthropometrical measures estimating the % of total BF, as well as central distribution, except for the waist/hip ratio. The %BF was correlated with insulin levels (r=0.303; p <0.001) and HOMA-IR (r=0.281; p<0.001).

Conclusions: Some metabolic alterations, most often related with excess weight and body fat as well as insulin resistance were found, reinforcing the importance of specific programs directed at the adolescent health.