Evaluation of nutritional status in Turkish adolescents as related to gender and socioeconomic status

Triponderal mass index is as strong as body mass index in the determination of obesity and adiposity

OBJECTIVE

In determining obesity and body adiposity, triponderal mass index (TMI) is as strong an anthropometric measurement as body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to develop TMI reference values for Turkish children and adolescents and compare TMI with BMI according to body adiposity and obesity indices.

METHODS

Data from the DAMTCA-II (Determination of Anthropometric Measurements of Turkish Children and Adolescents II) study were used in this cross-sectional study. Data from 4330 children (1931 boys, 2399 girls) ages 6 to 17 y were evaluated, and the TMI percentile values were produced. The predictive power of TMI and BMI for obesity and overweight were done for waist circumference, waist/height ratio, body fat percentage, and upper arm fat area, which are different parameters used to determine body adiposity.

RESULTS

The 3rd, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 85th, 90th, 95th, and 97th TMI percentiles and mean values were calculated for all children's age and sex. TMI cutoff values were calculated by receiver operating characteristic analysis regarding waist/height ratio 0.5, waist circumference ≥90 percentile, arm fat area ≥85 percentile, and body fat percentage ≥85. TMI and BMI area under the curve values were similar for each of these four measurements. TMI was as robust an index as BMI in demonstrating obesity and adiposity for all age groups in boys and girls. It was concluded that the values >90th percentile (median 15.8 kg/m³) in girls aged ≤10 y, 95th percentile (median 16.2 kg/m³) in girls aged >10 y, >85th percentile (median 14.9 kg/m³) in boys aged ≤12 y and 75th percentile (median value 14.5 kg/m³) in boys aged >12 y are critical values for TMI when evaluating adiposity and obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

We considered that TMI is as effective as BMI in terms of waist/height ratio, waist circumference, arm fat area, and body fat percentage in determining overweight and obesity in children. The ages at which TMI showed distinct variation were determined for both sexes.

Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros: revisão sistemática e metanálise

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em jovens brasileiros entre 5 e 19 anos através de revisão sistemática e metanálise de dados disponibilizadas na literatura. Foi realizada busca eletrônica nas bases de dados MedLine/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo e Lilacs publicados de 2000 a 2018, utilizando critérios de inclusão/ gerados por sexo e idade. Modelos de metarregressão foram ajustados para identificar exclusão pré-definidos. Medidas de heterogeneidade e variabilidade foram calculadas e modelos de efeito aleatório foram usados para estimar taxas de prevalência global. Gráficos forest-plots foram possíveis fontes de heterogeneidade. Dos 1002 estudos identificados inicialmente 26 atenderam os critérios de inclusão. Nas crianças (5-9 anos) as taxas de prevalência global de sobrepeso foram equivalentes a 16,2% (IC95% 13,2-19,3; Q=411,7, p<0,001; I2=97,8%) nas moças e 14,4% (IC95% 11,5-17,3; Q=403,9, p<0,001; I2=97,7%) nos rapazes. No caso da obesidade, 9,2% (IC95% 5,9-12,3; Q=1111,7, p < 0,001; I2=99,2%) e 9,0% (IC95% 5,5-12,5; Q=1413,1, p<0,001; I2=99,4%), respectivamente.  Referente aos adolescentes (10-19 anos), nas moças 16,4% (IC95% 15,1-17,7; Q=245,6, p<0,001; I2=92,3%) para sobrepeso e 6,2% (IC95% 4,9-7,5; Q=842,9, p<0,001; I2=97,7%) para obesidade. Nos rapazes, 15,3% (IC95% 13,4-17,1; Q=493,7, p<0,001; I2=96,2%) e 6,7% (IC95% 5,0-8,5; Q=1200,4, p<0,001; I2=98,4%), respectivamente. Região geográfica, ano de coleta dos dados e critérios diagnósticos impactaram significativamente na heterogeneidade das prevalências. Foram identificadas tendências crescentes nas taxas de prevalência, ressaltando a necessidade urgente de promover estilos de vida saudáveis desde as idades jovens, a fim de abordar com eficácia a presença do excesso de peso corporal.  

Malnutrition in School-Going Adolescents in Dessie Town, South Wollo, Ethiopia

Background

Malnutrition among adolescents is a global public health problem. Nutrient intake is a proxy measure of nutritional status, but studies in developing countries describing the actual nutrient intake condition associated with nutrition in the adolescents are limited. On top of this, there is inconsistent finding on the extent of malnutrition among adolescents. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess malnutrition and the associated factors among adolescents at Dessie high school.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 randomly selected high school adolescents. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from previous literature studies. Nutrient intakes were estimated by ESHA food processor software from a 24-hour recall, and anthropometric indices were calculated from weight, height, age, and sex. The data analysis was managed by SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression were used to report the associated factors of malnutrition. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to reveal the presence of statistical association.

Results

The percentage of being stunted, underweight, and overweight/obese was 15.7%, 6.3%, and 8.2%, respectively. Snack consumption (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.71) was negatively associated with stunting, while MAR <1 (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.15, 7.82) was positively associated with stunting. Being a male (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.03, 7.44) and meal consumption <3 times per day (AOR = 4.21, 95% CI: 1.35, 13.11) were factors positively associated with being underweight/thin. Dietary diversity score <5 (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.89) was negatively associated with overweight/obesity, while MAR < 1 (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.09, 9.09) was positively associated with overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

The percent of overweight/obesity among adolescents in the study area was higher compared with the national and regional prevalence, and this was found to be a public health concern. Therefore, increasing snack consumption, sex consideration, increasing meal consumption, and intake of diversified foods should be included in the prevention strategies of malnutrition among adolescents.

Prevalence and Determinants of Stunting Among Adolescent Girls in Ethiopia

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of stunting and identify factors associated with it among adolescent girls in Ethiopia.

DESIGN AND METHODS

From 15,683 women participants of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS), a sub-sample of 3,498 adolescents aged 15-19 years were selected; from which 2,733 adolescents who had a complete response to all variables of interest were retained for analysis. Variables were selected using conceptual framework. We used height-for-age Z-score index (HAZ) growth standards less than -2 to identify stunting. We adjusted for weights and sampling design. Bivariable and multivariable regression analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

The prevalence of stunting was 410(15%); comprising of 353 (12.9%) moderate and 57(2.2%) severe stunting cases. The odds of being stunted among respondents living in Tigray (AOR = 3.38, 95%CI: 1.47, 7.79), Amhara (AOR = 2.66, 95%CI: 1.18, 6.012) and Addis Ababa (AOR = 4.24, 95%CI: 1.84, 9.79) were higher compared to respondents living in Dire-Dawa. Adolescent girls living in rural areas (AOR = 2.29, 95%CI: 1.10, 4.75) had higher odds of stunting compared to those living in urban areas. Adolescent girls from the lowest wealth quintile (AOR = 2.38, 95%CI: 1.56, 9.67) had higher odds of stunting compared to the highest wealth quintile. Respondents who have one child (AOR = 3.33, 95%CI: 5.78, 15.31), and two children (AOR = 4.01, 95% CI: 1.39, 7.73) had higher odds of being stunted compared to those who have no children. The odds of stunting among adolescent girls having no access to safe water supply (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.21-8.37) and having no access to hygienic toilet (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.95) were higher compared to those having access to safe water supply and hygienic toilets respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study revealed that stunting is an important public health problem among adolescent girls in Ethiopia.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Health care workers should screen nutritional status of adolescent girls and assess the risk factors of stunting giving emphasis to adolescent girls living in rural areas, who are within the lowest wealth quintile, who have children, and those who have no access to safe water supply and have no access to hygienic toilets.

Childhood Undernutrition and Its Predictors in a Rural Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site in South Africa

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity are increasing at an alarming rate in South Africa, while childhood undernutrition remains persistently high. This study determined the magnitude and predictors of stunting and underweight among schoolchildren in the Dikgale and Health Demographic Surveillance System Site, a rural site in South Africa.

METHODS

A cross sectional study using multistage sampling was conducted among 508 schoolchildren and their mothers. Anthropometric measurements were taken from children and their mothers, while sociodemographic information was obtained from mothers using a questionnaire. The World Health Organization Anthro Plus was used to generate height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores to indicate stunting and underweight, respectively, among the children. Maternal overweight and obesity were assessed using body mass index. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors of stunting and underweight among schoolchildren.

RESULTS

Twenty-two percent (22%) of children were stunted and 27% were underweight, while 27.4% of the mothers were overweight and 42.3% were obese. The odds of being stunted were lower in younger children, whereas having a mother who was overweight/obese and had a short stature increased the odds of stunting. Access to water, having a refrigerator, and having a young mother were protective against being underweight. Having a mother who was overweight/obese increased the odds of being underweight.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed a high prevalence of stunting and underweight among children, and overweight and obesity among mothers, indicating a household double burden of malnutrition. The age of the child and maternal overweight/obesity and short stature were predictors of stunting and underweight, while having a younger mother and access to water and a refrigerator were protective against being underweight. The need for an evidence-based and feasible nutrition program for schoolchildren, especially those in rural schools, cannot be over-emphasized.

Socio-demographic and economic factors are associated with nutritional status of adolescent school girls in Lay Guyint Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia

Objective:

This study was aimed at assessing socio-demographic and economic factors associated with nutritional status of adolescent school girls in Lay Guyint Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods:

The school-based cross-sectional study comprising 362 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years was included in the study. Simple random sampling technique with proportional allocation to size was used to select the participants. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurement were used to collect the data. An anthropometric measurement was converted to the indices of nutritional status using World Health Organization Anthro Plus software.

Result:

The overall prevalence of stunting and thinness among adolescent girls were 16.3% and 29%, respectively. Adolescents aged 14–15 years (AOR = 3.65; 95% confidence interval: 1.87, 7.11), adolescents living in rural areas (AOR = 1.34; 95% confidence interval: 1.24, 2.33), and adolescents who did not have snack (AOR = 11.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.47, 17.8) were positively associated with stunting. Whereas mother’s occupation was negatively associated with stunting (AOR = 0.12; 95% confidence interval: 0.17, 0.87). Similarly, being a rural resident (AOR = 2.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.13, 5.08) and adolescents aged 14–15 years (AOR = 6.05; 95% confidence interval: 2.15, 17.04) were positively associated with thinness. Educational status of adolescent girls was negatively associated with thinness (AOR = 0.13; 95% confidence interval: 0.05, 0.35).

Conclusion:

Stunting and thinness are prevalent among adolescent girls. The age of adolescents, place of residence, having a snack, and mother’s occupation was significantly associated with stunting and thinness. Having at least a one-time snack in addition to the usual diet is strongly recommended.

Nutritional status and related factors of schoolchildren in Çorum, Turkey

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine nutritional status and related factors among schoolchildren in Çorum, Central Anatolia, Turkey.

DESIGN

Schoolchildren's height and weight were measured to calculate BMI and BMI Z-scores. Height, weight and BMI Z-scores were analysed and nutritional status classified according to the WHO.

SETTING

Central Anatolia, Turkey.ParticipantsSchoolchildren aged 5-17 years (n 1684) participated in study.

RESULTS

Of children, 4·2% were stunted, 6·9% thin, 13·8% overweight and 6·6% were obese. Proportions of stunting, thinness and overweight/obesity were significantly higher in children aged &gt;10 years (78·6, 75·0 and 64·9%, respectively) than in those aged ≤10 years (21·4, 25·0 and 35·1%, respectively; all P &lt;0·001). Median (range) birth weight and breast-feeding duration in children with stunting (2750 (1400-3600)g; 10 (0-36) months) were significantly lower and shorter, respectively, than those of normal height (3200 (750-5500)g; 15 (0-72) months) and tall children (3500 (2500-4900)g; 18 (0-36) months; P &lt;0·001, &lt;0·001, 0·011 and 0·016, respectively). The same relationship was observed in thin children (3000 (1000-4500)g; 12 (0-36) months) compared with normal-weight (3200 (750-5500)g; 15 (0-72) months) and overweight/obese children (3300 (1200-5500)g; 16 (0-48) months; P=0·026, &lt;0·001, 0·045 and 0·011, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight and obesity are health problems that must be addressed in schoolchildren. Adolescents also have a risk of double malnutrition. Promoting normal birth weight and encouraging long duration of breast-feeding are important to support normal growth in children.

Association between socioeconomic status and obesity among 12-year-old Malaysian adolescents

The epidemic of obesity in developed countries is commonly associated with poor dietary habit and sedentary lifestyle. However, other determinants, including education background and family income, may contribute towards the problem especially in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on obesity among 12-year-old school adolescents in Terengganu, Malaysia. Body weight and height were measured and BMI was categorised based on WHO z-score cut-off points. Information was obtained from self-reported questionnaire on parents' education background, family income and occupation. A total of 3,798 school adolescents aged 12 years (44% boys and 56% girls) were recruited. There was no significant difference in BMI status between boys and girls, or between rural and urban participants. There were significant differences between BMI categories and gender, household income and SES level within rural areas. In the urban areas, significant differences were found between BMI categories and gender, parents' occupational and educational level, household income and size, and SES level. A logistic regression model found several SES factors to be predictors of obesity in this population, namely, gender, household size, father's occupation level, household income level and SES level. Each component of SES has been significantly associated with the BMI category of school adolescents, particularly in the urban areas. This suggests the requirement of multifaceted approaches, including the role of family, society and authorities, in the effort to curtail adolescent obesity.

Overweight and Undernutrition in the Cases of School-Going Adolescents in Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study

Background

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors among school adolescents in Wolaita Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18-June 10, 2015. A multistage sampling was used to select a random sample of 690 adolescents from selected schools. Data on sociodemographic information were collected by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were made by using a digital Seca scale and height measuring board by trained data collectors. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 software and exported to SPSS version 20. World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro-plus software was used to analyze anthropometric data. Both binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with the malnutrition of adolescents.

Result

The overall prevalence of thinness, stunting, and overweight/obesity among school adolescents was 4.7% (95% CI: 3%-6.4%); 5.2% (95% CI: 3.4%-7%); and 5.0% (95% CI: 3.4%-6.7%), respectively. Being male (AOR = 4.07; 95% CI: 2.35-7.02), learning at a government school (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.20-0.65), mothers with no formal education (AOR = 4.03; 95% CI: 1.82-8.92), owning no cattle (AOR = 4.92; 95% CI: 2.08-11.64), skipping meals (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.05-2.74), and illness in 2 weeks prior to survey (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.49-4.78) were significantly associated with thinness. However, males, students who had their house, and no cattle were more likely to develop overweight/obesity. Maternal education of secondary school (AOR = 0.214; 95% CI: 0.054-0.846) was significantly associated with the stunting.

Conclusion

The study showed the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition among school adolescents in the study area. There needs to implement evidence-based school nutrition education and health policies and programs to improve nutritional status of adolescents and timely taking action to limit obesity-related health problems.

Prevalence of Thinness in Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries and Associations With Wealth, Food Security, and Inequality

PURPOSE

Adequate nutrition during adolescence is important for optimal physical and cognitive development and for pregnancy either during adolescence or later life. Thinness among adolescent girls in low- and middle-income countries has been little studied.

METHODS

We used body mass index data from 40 countries from the Global School Health Survey to estimate the prevalence of moderate and severe thinness in 12- to 18-year-olds using the World Health Organization 2007 growth reference. Self-report data on going to bed hungry were used as a proxy for household food insecurity. We used multilevel models to assess whether national wealth (gross domestic product), income inequality (Gini index), national gender inequality (Gender Inequality Index), and food security (Global Food Security Index) were associated with undernutrition.

RESULTS

Prevalence rates of moderate and severe thinness across 61,603 girls from 40 countries were 6.30% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.71-6.95) and 1.34% (1.12-1.59), respectively, with higher rates in Asia. Combined moderate/severe thinness was more common among early (12-14 years) than later adolescents (15-18 years). Going to bed hungry sometimes was associated with increased risk of moderate/severe thinness (odds ratio [OR]: 1.102; 95% CI: 1.007-1.206). A significant inverse relationship was found between thinness and gross domestic product (OR: .94; 95% CI: .88-.99) and Global Food Security Index (OR: .96; 95% CI: .93-.99) but not Gini or Gender Inequality Index.

CONCLUSION

Thinness remains prevalent in adolescent schoolgirls in low- and middle-income countries and poses a significant threat to their health and that of the next generation. Further research is needed to assess potential interventions for this group.

Body weight status of school adolescents in Terengganu, Malaysia: a population baseline study

BACKGROUND

Body weight is highly associated with overall health status. Being severely thin or obese may impose the risk of many health problems. Early detection of body mass index (BMI) status may help to reduce the associated comorbidities. Although many studies in the literature have investigated the BMI of school adolescents in Malaysia, the data on status of body weight among school adolescents in suburban states like Terengganu is limited. This study aimed to describe the body weight status of the whole population of school adolescents in all seven districts in Terengganu, Malaysia.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional study design, body weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated and classified using WHO BMI-for-age Z-score. Data was obtained using the National Fitness Standard (SEGAK) assessment, which was uploaded in a specific Health Monitoring System (HEMS).

RESULTS

From a total of 62,567 school adolescents, 50.7% were boys and 49.3% were girls. Girls had significantly higher BMI than boys in age groups of 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 years old. Among boys and girls, there were significant differences in mean BMI of school adolescents between rural and urban school locations in all age groups (p < 0.001). There were also significant differences in BMI between boys and girls in all districts in Terengganu, except Kemaman and Kuala Terengganu, for all age groups (p < 0.001). Overall, the prevalence of thinness, normal, overweight and obesity were 8.4, 64.6, 15.0 and 12.0%, respectively. There were significant differences between BMI categories and genders in total participants, and within rural and urban school locations (p < 0.05). In all districts except Marang and Dungun, significant difference was also found between BMI categories and genders.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity in Terengganu were substantial. In this study, BMI category was associated with gender, age, school location and district. However, the actual effects of these factors on the prevalence of thinness and obesity among this population demand further investigation.

Temporal trend in overweight among adolescents in northeastern Brazil

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the temporal trend in overweight, as well as their relationship with sociodemographic factors in adolescents from northeastern Brazil.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We analyzed data from two similar school-based, cross-sectional epidemiological studies conducted in 2005 (n = 2,768) and 2009 (n = 2,776), with public and private high school students of both sexes, aged 14 to 18 years, in João Pessoa, state of Paraiba, Brazil. Sociodemographic information (sex, age and economic class), body weight (kg) and height (cm) were self-reported by the students. Body mass index was classified according to International Obesity Task Force criteria.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase of three percentage points in overweight prevalence from 2005 (10.1%; CI95%: 8.9-11.3) to 2009 (13.1%; CI95%: 11.4-15.5), which was of greater magnitude in males (5.0%; p < 0.001) than in females (1.8%; p = 0.085). Adjusted analysis showed that the Odds Ratio for an adolescent to show overweight in 2009 compared with 2005 was 1.34 (CI95%: 1.13-1.60), which was also greater in males (OR = 1.45; CI95%: 1.15-1.83), in adolescents aged 16 years (females - OR = 3.01; CI95%: 1.62-5.55), and in those from the middle economic class (males: OR = 1.47; CI95%: 1.03-2.23; females: OR = 1.59; CI95%: 1.01-2.53).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of overweight in adolescents was high, and showed an increasing trend, particularly in males who belonged to the middle economic class.

Socio-demographic factors associated with underweight and stunting among adolescents in Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Nutrition during adolescence plays an important role in the individual's life. There are different factors that affect nutritional status of adolescents. Socio Economic Status, age, sex and mothers' educational level are among the important determinants factors of nutritional status of adolescents. Younger adolescents tend to be more undernourished than older adolescents, and, contrary to expectations that boys are almost twice as undernourished as girls. In this study, we test the competing hypothesis about the correlates of nutritional status among Ethiopian adolescents.

METHODS

We report a total of 2084 adolescents from the second round of a 5-year longitudinal study in Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia. Univariate and Multivariable linear regression were used to assess socio-demographic factors associated with Underweight and Stunting among Adolescents in Jimma zone.

RESULTS

Age, highest grade completed, job and last attended in community school were positively associated with BMI for Age z-score and highest grade completed, household income and job were positively associated with Height for Age z-score. However, male gender was negatively associated with BMI for Age z-score and male gender, last attended in community school, abdominal pain and household size were negatively associated with Height for Age z-score.

CONCLUSION

Age of the adolescents, gender, educational status, employment status and type of last school attended are associated with underweight; and gender, place of residence, household size, household income, educational status, employment status, type of last school attended and abdominal pain are associated with stunted. The findings reflect socio-demographic characteristics are associated with underweight and stunting.

Magnitude and Determinants of Stunting Among Children in Africa: A Systematic Review

Globally it is estimated that 162 million under-five year old children are stunted. Africa is known with one of the highest prevalence of stunting in the world. Even though studies suggested various determinants for stunting in Africa; there is lack of agreement about the relative importance of factors affecting the nutritional status of children. We reviewed all literatures, including: observational studies, and prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the prevalence and determinants of stunting in children under the age of five years in Africa to identify systematically, appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on the magnitude and epidemiological factors for stunting among children under the age of five years in Africa by conducting electronic search of Medline, Pub Med, Health Inter-network access to Research Initiative (HINARI), and Google Scholar databases. After exclusion of irrelevant ones, 21 out of 55 articles were considered for the final analysis. On the basis of this review, majority of the articles reported highest prevalence of stunting in Africa and its progress is found unsatisfactory. Inappropriate complementary feeding practice, maternal under nutrition, household food insecurity, economic growth and maternal education, are identified as the principal determinants of stunting. Some studies confer the determinants of stunting is multidimensional and intertwined. The remaining articles reviewed, noted the synergistic interaction between inadequate dietary intake and disease as the main determinant of stunting. The magnitude of stunting in Africa is found as one of the highest in the world and the trend shows stagnating rather than progress. It is confirmed that the determinants of stunting in the continent are varied and intertwined; showing variations from region to region. It is recommended that; African countries should give more emphasis to fight stunting; further research on target implementation sites is needed before creating health policies. They should also consider the cultural beliefs and socio cultural realities of their population. We therefore encourage policy makers to use facts from this review on creating policies to reverse the situation.

Antioxidant status in blood of obese children: the relation between trace elements, paraoxonase, and arylesterase values

Obesity is known to lead to complications involving several systems. The basic mechanism in obesity-related complications is chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Trace element levels in obese children may vary due to poor nutritional habits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) levels, markers of the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the body, and serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) concentrations in obese children. Fifty-seven overweight patients aged 6-17 and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy children were included in the study. Serum PON1 and ARE activity levels were measured, together with Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, glucose, aspartate amino transferase, and alanine amino transferase levels. PON1 and ARE activity levels were significantly lower in obese patients compared to those in healthy individuals (P < 0.05). Various changes were determined in Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se levels between the study and control groups (P < 0.05). In terms of the relation between trace elements and PON1 and ARE levels, a significant positive correlation was determined between serum Se and PON1 levels in the study group (P < 0.05, r = 0.31). No significant correlation was determined between other trace element levels and PON1 and ARE levels (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the detection in our study of a positive correlation between Se and PON1 levels in obese children may be significant in terms of showing a relation between Se and antioxidant systems in obese children.

Childhood dual burden of under- and overnutrition in low- and middle-income countries: a critical review

BACKGROUND

In low- and middle-income countries, the distribution of childhood nutritional diseases is shifting from a predominance of undernutrition to a dual burden of under- and overnutrition. This novel and complex problem challenges governments and health organizations to tackle opposite ends of the malnutrition spectrum. The dual burden may manifest within a community, household, or individual, but these different levels have not been addressed collectively.

OBJECTIVE

To critically review literature on the prevalence, trends, and predictors of the dual burden, with a focus on children from birth to 18 years of age.

METHODS

We reviewed literature since January 1, 1990, published in English, using the PubMed search terms nutrition transition, double burden, dual burden, nutrition status, obesity, overweight, underweight, stunting, body composition, and micronutrient deficiencies. The findings were classified and described according to dual burden level (community, household, or individual).

RESULTS

Global trends indicate decreases in diseases of undernutrition, while overnutrition is increasing. On the community level, economic status may influence the extent of the dual burden, with obesity increasingly affecting the already undernourished poor. In a household, shared determinants of poor nutritional status among members can result in disparate nutritional status across generations. Within an individual, obesity may co-occur with stunting or anemia due to shared underlying determinants or physiologic links.

CONCLUSIONS

The dual burden of malnutrition poses a threat to children's health in low- and middle-income countries. We must remain committed to reducing undernutrition while simultaneously preventing over-nutrition through integrated child health programs that incorporate prevention of infection, diet quality, and physical activity.

Elevated glucose level at 30 minutes during an oral glucose tolerance test in obese adolescents: a new disorder of glucose tolerance

We observed glucose levels >140 mg/dL measured at 30 minutes (min) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in some obese patients. We aimed to investigate the significance of this finding by comparing lipid profiles, insulin resistance indices, and systemic inflammatory mediators between obese adolescents with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and elevated glucose levels at 30 min. The study involved 80 obese (body mass index >95(th) percentile for age and sex) adolescents (48 female, 32 male) between 11 and 16 years of age. Depending on OGTT results, patients were divided into NGT and IGT groups. The third group was recruited from the NGT group as having glucose levels > 140 mg/dL at 30 minutes. Lipid profiles, [interleukin-6 (IL-6)], neopterin, and lipoprotein associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂)] were assessed. Neopterin and Lp-PLA₂ levels were significantly higher in obese adolescents with elevated glucose levels at 30 min. compared with those in both NGT and IGT groups (p=0.013, and 0.004, respectively). In these adolescents, IL-6 levels were significantly higher only than the NGT group (p=0.01). In logistic regression analysis, IL-6, neopterin and Lp-PLA₂ levels were detected to be related to high blood glucose levels at 30 min (OR 1.11, p=0.01; OR 9.03, p=0.013; OR 1.01, p=0.004 respectively). Obese adolescents with elevated glucose levels at 30 min. demonstrated higher inflammatory mediators levels, which were atherosclerotic indicators, than obese adolescents with NGT and IGT. These results suggest that glucose levels >140 mg/dL measured at 30 min during an OGTT may be a new disorder of glucose tolerance in obesity.