Changes in serum lipid profile of obese or overweight children and adolescents following a lifestyle modification course

BACKGROUND: Considering rapid global increase in children obesity and high prevalence of dyslipidemia in obese and overweight children, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational course on changes of lipid profile in children. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS: This non-pharmacological clinical trial study was performed on 4-18 year-old children attending outpatient clinics of Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center (Iran). Anthropometric measurements were conducted for all children. Fasting blood samples were taken from right hand of the participants at the first laboratory visit. Biochemical tests including measurement of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were also carried out. Children took part in one educational session in which they were taught about ways and benefits of having regular physical activity once a day and having healthy foods. All children were followed up for about four months and anthropometrics and biochemical tests were repeated. Data was analyzed using SPSS16. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: A total number of 412 children (245 girls and 167 boys) were divided into four age groups of under 6, 6-9, 10-13, and 14-18 years old. Baseline anthropometric measures were significantly higher in boys. However, there was no difference between boys and girls in baseline lipid profile. Children's body mass index (BMI) z-score increased in all age groups except for 14-18 year-old boys. In boys older than 10 years, there were significant reductions in LDL-C and TC. In girls over 10 years of age, there was a significant increase in HDL-C. Although anthropometric measurements did not change in children (except for 14-18 year-old-boys), there was a significant reduction in children's lipid profile after the study. &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: Our study showed that although one session of interventional education had no significant effects on children's anthropometric measurements, it could change their lipid profile. Moreover, the intervention was more effective on improving lipid profile in children over 10 years of age. Therefore, effective interventional strategies must be invented and implemented on children based on their age group. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: Children Obesity, Education, Anthropometry, Lipid Profile, Lifestyle.</p

Effect of education on anthropometric indices in obese parents and children after one year of follow-up

&nbsp;&nbsp; BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels. Children obesity predisposes them to risk of cardiac disease in adulthood. Environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and cultural environment play pivotal roles in the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide. Furthermore, family life style has a great influence on children obesity. This study aimed to determine the effect of family-oriented weight reduction program on the children&rsquo;s anthropometric measurements. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS: This was a non-pharmacological clinical trial study which was performed on 4-18 years old children attending outpatient clinics of Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism. Anthropometric measurements were recorded for all the participants. Children took part in one educational session in which they were taught about ways and benefits of having a regular physical activity each day and also benefits of having healthy nutrition. All the participants took part in every 4 months one-hour educational sessions and their anthropometrics were measured. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: Fifty eight single-mother families participated in this study. Fourteen single-father families started the intervention but did not follow it to the end. Children&rsquo;s body mass index (BMI) z-score decreased significantly after the study. Children waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) significantly increased. Mothers WC and waist to hip ratio (WHR) increased significantly. Regression test showed that mother BMI was an independent factor (B = 0.307; P &lt; 0.021). The effect of the pattern of children&rsquo;s BMI changed across a one-year period. &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: Our study showed significant effect of repetitive family life style education on children&rsquo;s BMI z-score changes. Family, as the first place for children behavior formation, must be regarded as one of the best place to tackle childhood obesity. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Keywords: Children Obesity, Parents, Life Style Intervention, Education, Anthropometric Indice

Association of Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Levels with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Normal-Weight and Overweight Children

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), defined by a gender-specific cutoff value, among normal weight and overweight children; and to assess the relationship of increasing ALT levels with cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among school students, aged 6-18 years in Isfahan, Iran. Based on the body mass index (BMI) percentiles, a group of normal-weight was compared with a group of overweight and obese students. Gender differences were considered for increased levels of ALT, i.e. 19U/L and 30U/L for girls and boys respectively. Findings: The study participants consisted of 1172 students (56.2% girls), with a mean (SD) age of 12.57 (3.3) years. Among overweight/obese students the mean triglycerides (TG) and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in those with increased ALT than in those with normal ALT levels. The logistic regression analysis showed that among overweight/obese boys, for each 1 unit increase in ALT, the odds ratio (OR) of TG, total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure increased significantly. After adjusting for age, these associations remained significant, and the OR of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) decreased significantly. In the model adjusting for age and BMI, the ORs of TG and HDL-c remained significant. After adjusting for age and waist circumference, HDL-c was the only parameter with significant OR. Among overweight/obese girls, in all models applied, the OR was significant for TG and total cholesterol. A significant independent association was documented for waist circumference and increase in ALT after adjustment for BMI. Conclusion: This study documented significant relationship of increased ALT levels, defined by a gender-specific cutoff point, with cardiometabolic risk factors and hypertriglyceridemic-waist phenotype in Iranian children and adolescents

CAN RELAXATION BE USED TO ACHIEVE WEIGHT CONTROL IN YOUTHS?

&nbsp; Abstract INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity is a cultural and medical problem and is usually a refractory to treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of parental therapy behavior and relaxation methods on children in controlling childhood obesity. methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 90 obese children aged 10-17 years were randomly divided into three groups of equal number. All three groups received similar diet and exercise recommendations. The first group of children attended 15 relaxation sessions. Parents of the second group participated in 15 behavior therapy sessions. The third group was considered as control. Data were analyzed by SPSS&nbsp;13. Mean changes of weight, BMI and WC were calculated. results: Mean BMI decreased in all three groups after the intervention. This decrease was more remarkable, but not significant in the first group. Mean weight decreased in the first group but increased in the second group. Mean WC decreased in all three groups. This decrease was more obvious, but not significant in the first group. CONCLUSIONS: Stress leads to sympathetic system arousal which it associated with many pathologic conditions. Elicitation of relaxation response can help individuals embrace healthy lifestyle choices. Relaxation and parent behavior therapy can be considered as useful methods of controlling childhood obesity. &nbsp; &nbsp; Keywords: Obesity, children and adolescents, relaxation, behavior therapy, parents.</div