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Review
. 2016 Oct;32(5):357-362.
doi: 10.1159/000449268. Epub 2016 Oct 7.

Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

Christine Graf  1 , Nina Ferrari  1
Affiliations
Review

Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

Christine Graf et al. Visc Med. 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Juvenile obesity is associated with multiple cardiometabolic comorbidities, which may culminate in the metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods: Based on a narrative review, the current knowledge of prevalence and the underlying metabolic principles regarding juvenile obesity and MetS are summarized to compile up-to-date information. In addition, the role of lifestyle as well as positive and negative influencing factors are focused on.

Results: The prevalence of MetS occurs between 1 and up to 23% in the total pediatric population and in up to 60% amongst the obese and overweight. It can be considered as the consequence of multiple processes in terms of lifestyle, perinatal programming, and (epi-)genetic pathways; however, the complex underlying mechanisms and their interplay are not completely understood.

Conclusion: Besides preventive approaches, the growing number of obese children and youth as well as its consequences call for effective and lasting therapeutic measures.

Keywords: Juvenile obesity; Metabolic syndrome; Multicomponent approach; Prevention; Therapy.

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