Is the obesity epidemic worsening the cardiovascular risk factor profile of children? Evidence from two Québec samples measured 10 years apart

Abstract

Background: The impact of the obesity epidemic on cardiovascular health in young people is of increasing concern. However, data on secular trends in CVD indicators are outdated and mixed.

Methods: This study compared lipid profiles and insulin of 9-10 year olds in 2008 (n = 605) and 1999 (n = 779). Data were drawn from two population-based samples of youth: the 1999 Québec Child and Adolescent Health and Social Survey and the 2008 Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development.

Results: Mean body mass index (BMI) Z-scores were higher in 2008 than in 1999 in both boys (0.37 vs 0.12, p = 0.004) and girls (0.32 vs 0.05, p = 0.0004). After adjusting for maturity stage, height, BMI Z-score, age and household income, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 0.12 mmol/L (p < 0.05) and 0.10 mmol/L (p < 0.05) higher in 2008 than 1999 in boys and girls, respectively. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin were not significantly different between 2008 and 1999.

Conclusions: Despite higher BMI Z-scores in 2008, differences in cardiometabolic indicators between 1999 and 2008 were small and may not be clinically meaningful. Surveillance to closely monitor trends in cardiometabolic indicators in Canadian youth is needed.