ARS | Publication request: Decreased weight loss and metabolic syndrome in Mexican American children

Submitted to: Obesity
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2007
Publication Date: September 1, 2007
Citation: Stansberry, S.A., Tyler, C., Johnston, C.A., Fullerton, G., Carvalho, S., McFarlin, B., Foreyt, J. 2007. Decreased weight loss and metabolic syndrome in Mexican American children. Obesity. 15(Supplement):A161.

Technical Abstract: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by a group of risk factors that increase one's risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. An increased prevalence of MS has been documented in Mexican American children. It is important to understand how the development of MS will impact attempts at weight loss. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of MS on weight loss in Mexican American children. We hypothesized that among children randomized to an intensive, behavioral, weight loss intervention, those meeting criteria for MS would have less reduction in their standardized BMI (zBMI) when compared to those not meeting MS criteria. 52 children (29 males, 55.8%) aged 10 to 14, who self-reported being Mexican American and were at or above the 85th percentile for BMI, were randomized into a 6-month, school-based, obesity prevention intervention. Each participant's zBMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, lipids, and blood pressure were measured at baseline. Participants were classified as having MS if they possessed >= 3 risk factors based upon accepted child criteria (i.e., systolic or diastolic blood pressure > 90th percentile; HDL-C < 40 mg/dL; triglycerides > 110; waist circumferece >= 90th percentile; fasting glucose >= 100 mg/dl). Independent samples t-tests were conducted comparing change in zBMI at 3 and 6 months for children meeting and not meeting MS cretieria. Compared to children who did not meet MS criteria, those who met criteria for MS had significantly less reduction in zBMI at 3 (t = -2.50, p = .02) and 6 months (t = -2.94, p = .006). Children with MS may have more difficulty losing weight compared to children without this syndrome. These findings demonstrate the potential need for unique weight loss strategies with those Mexican American children who meet criteria for MS.