Frequency of Dyslipidemia and Associated Risk Factors Among Obese Children and Adolescents in Turkey

The chronic inflammatory state that occurs in obesity causes metabolic complications such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, hepatosteatosis, and cardiovascular disorder. Dyslipidemia secondary to obesity, which is an important cause of morbidity, is a worldwide concern. Dyslipidemia has an essential role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with dyslipidemia in obese children and adolescents.

This single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study included 1,136 obese patients. Fasting lipid, liver transaminases, glucose, and insulin levels were measured, and ultrasound scans (US) were performed. Other clinical assessments included waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, and the presence of acanthosis nigricans and striae.

Dyslipidemia was present in 644 (56.7%) cases. Puberty, high body mass index (BMI), increased waist-hip ratio, increased homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high uric acid, and acanthosis nigricans were found to be risk factors for dyslipidemia.

The prevalence of dyslipidemia in obese children was high and increased with puberty. Therefore, obese children and adolescents should be closely monitored for dyslipidemia that predisposes them to adolescent CVD.