Discriminatory ability of visceral adiposity index as an indicator for modeling cardio-metabolic risk factors in pediatric population: the CASPIAN-V study

Visceral Adiposity, Anthropometric and Liver Function Indexes for Identifying Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in Adolescents with Obesity: Which Performs Better?

Background: Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is the accumulation of fat in the liver without excessive alcohol consumption or other known liver diseases. MASLD is the most common liver disease in adolescents with obesity. The aims of this study were as follows: (i) to determine which index (waist circumference BMI, WHtR, VAI, METS-IR, METS-VF, HSI, FLI, or MetS_zscore) best explains the prevalence of MASLD in adolescents with obesity; (ii) to determine whether there was a specific index that was most strongly associated with MASLD; (iii) to assess which liver function indexes were most strongly correlated with MASLD. Methods: A total of 758 adolescents with severe obesity (BMI z-score > 2) admitted at the Division of Auxology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piancavallo-Verbania for a 3-week multidisciplinary body weight reduction program were selected. Anthropometric parameters (stature, body mass, BMI, and waist and hip circumference) were collected, and body composition (lean and fat mass) was determined using the tetrapolar bioimpedance analysis (BIA) technique. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured using standard techniques. MASLD was diagnosed based on abdominal ultrasound results. Results: WHtR (65.76%) was the most sensitive compared with other indexes. The HSI (AUC: 0.67 (0.63-0.71, 95% CI), p-value < 0.05) showed the best performance in predicting MASLD, with the threshold for having MASLD considered at 48.22. The indexes that showed the worst performance in predicting MASLD were the MetS z-score (AUC: 0.56 (0.52-0.60)) and the VAI (AUC: 0.57 (0.52-0.61)). ALT (OR: 2.92 (2.29-3.77); 95% CI) and AST (OR: 2.52 (2.03-3.20)) were the parameters with a stronger correlation with MASLD. Conclusions: The most sensitive index for diagnosing MASLD was the WHtR, based exclusively on anthropometric parameters. HSI was the index that correlated the most with MASLD, while the parameters of liver function (ALT and AST) were the most strongly correlated with the disease and its severity.

Predictive Accuracy of Biochemical and Anthropometric Indices for Metabolic Syndrome in Children with Obesity: A Comparative Study

Children with obesity, regardless of gender, are a high-risk population that requires ongoing monitoring not only for present obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) but also future risks of metabolic, cardiac, musculoskeletal, and psychiatric complications. Data from a cohort of 185 obese children who underwent a second follow-up in 2019 were used for this retrospective study. The study cohort consisted of 94 boys and 91 girls who were elementary school students with a mean age of 10.2 ± 0.5 years. Following anthropometric and biochemical assessments, the cardio metabolic index (CMI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), triglyceride-glucose index (TyGI), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. The overall prevalence of MetS was 19.5% (12.8% in boys and 26.4% in girls). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, CMI, VAI, and TyGI performed significantly better than HOMA-IR in identifying MetS. CMI was the most accurate predictor of MetS, as indicated by the highest area under the curve value, in both genders. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the CMI can serve as a practical, efficient, and affordable screening tool for the ongoing monitoring of childhood obesity in both daily endocrine clinical practice and primary care settings.

Visceral adiposity index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and fasting plasma glucose associations in adolescents

BACKGROUND

The global rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents is partly linked to the increasing rates of childhood obesity and physical inactivity.

AIM

To explore the independent relationships of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in adolescents.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study included 403 adolescents (202 boys and 201 girls) aged 11-19 years. Participants were evaluated for VAI, CRF, and FPG. Regression models, adjusted for age and maturity status, were used to assess the associations between VAI, CRF, and FPG.

RESULTS

The prevalence of T2DM risk was 15.3% (girls = 7.4%; boys = 7.9%). In boys, high VAI was positively associated with FPG (β = 0.190, P = 0.009), while low CRF was negatively associated with FPG (β = -0.206, P = 0.010). These associations persisted even after adjusting for CRF and VAI. However, no significant associations between VAI, CRF, and FPG were observed in girls (P > 0.05). Adolescents with high VAI and low fitness levels demonstrated poorer glycemic profiles.

CONCLUSION

Among boys, both VAI and CRF were independently associated with T2DM risk, with CRF showing a stronger association. These associations were not observed in girls. Promoting regular aerobic exercise and healthy diets may serve as essential public health promotion strategies in preventing and managing T2DM risk in adolescents.

Growth hormone in pediatric chronic kidney disease: more than just height

Recombinant human growth hormone therapy, which was introduced in the 1980s, is now routine for children with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are exhibiting growth impairment. Growth hormone usage remains variable across different centers, with some showing low uptake. Much of the focus on growth hormone supplementation has been on increasing height because of social and psychological effects of short stature. There are, however, numerous other changes that occur in CKD that have not received as much attention but are biologically important for pediatric growth and development. This article reviews the current knowledge about the multisystem effects of growth hormone therapy in pediatric patients with CKD and highlights areas where additional clinical research is needed. We also included clinical data on children and adults who had received growth hormone for other indications apart from CKD. Ultimately, having robust clinical studies which examine these effects will allow children and their families to make more informed decisions about this therapy.

Visceral adiposity index, fitness and clustered cardiovascular disease risk in adolescents

BACKGROUND

 Clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors have been observed in children and adolescents, but its association with visceral adiposity index (VAI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adolescents has rarely been studied.

AIM

 This study determines the independent associations of VAI and CRF with the clustering of cardiovascular disease risk (CVDr) among Nigerian adolescents.

SETTING

 Adolescents from specific secondary schools in Kogi East, North Central Nigeria participated in the study.

METHODS

 A cross-sectional sample of 403 adolescents (202 boys and 201 girls) aged 11 years - 19 years were evaluated for VAI, CRF and CVDr. Using identified risk factors, a clustered CVDr score was generated. The association between VAI, CRF and clustered CVDr was evaluated using regression models that controlled for age, gender and maturity status.

RESULTS

 Fitness was negatively associated with CVDr (β = -0.268, p  0.001), while VAI was positively correlated with CVDr (β = 0.379, p  0.001). After CRF or VAI adjustment, the independent association with the dependent variable remained significant. The odds of an adolescent with elevated VAI being at risk of CVD was 4.7 times higher than his peers. Unfit adolescents were 2.1 times more likely to develop CVDr.

CONCLUSION

 Both VAI and CRF were independently associated with the clustering of CVDr in Nigerian adolescents. The findings suggest that health promotion efforts focusing on healthy diet and aerobic-type physical activity programmes should be encouraged among the youth to reduce the risk of CVD.Contribution: This study shows that improving visceral adipose tissue and fitness may lower CVD risk factors in adolescents, which is significant for public health.

Cardiometabolic risk assessment: A school-based study in Brazilian adolescent

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recently, new indices combining routine and low-cost anthropometric and biochemical measurements have emerged. Among them, the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) are being investigated for the prediction of altered blood pressure (BP) and insulin resistance (IR). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether visceral adiposity index (VAI) and height-corrected lipid accumulation product (HLAP) are predictors of cardiometabolic risk in Brazilian adolescents.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were obtained from the Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (ERICA) study, a cross-sectional, national, multicenter, school-based survey conducted between 2013 and 2014 in Brazil. The sample consisted of 37,815 adolescents aged 12-17 years of both genders attending the last 3 years of elementary or secondary school from public and private schools located in 273 municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. A Poisson regression was performed to verify associations between VAI and HLAP indices and the presence of altered BP and IR according to sex. In addition, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was applied to compare the predictive ability and determine the cut-off points of the VAI and HLAP indices in identifying cardiometabolic risk obtained by altered BP and IR. The prevalences of altered BP and IR were 24.49 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 23.14-25.87) and 24.22 % (95 % CI: 22.70-25.80), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The VAI and HLAP indices are good predictors of cardiometabolic risk in Brazilian adolescents. HLAP showed better performance in identifying insulin resistance in males.

Influence of visceral adiposity on cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, generalized fibrosis and high cardiovascular mortality. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk through the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been helpful due to its direct relationship to the body and visceral fat percentage. We evaluated the influence of body composition and anthropometrics on cardiovascular risk as measured by VAI in healthy controls (HC) and SSc. An analytical cross-sectional study of 66 participants (33 SSc and 33 HC), mean age 52.7 ± 10, 95% women, was conducted from August 2020 to January 2021. Inclusion criteria in cases were consecutive patients with SSc (ACR/EULAR 2013), 63.6% were diffuse cutaneous (dcSS) subtype, and 36.4 were limited cutaneous (lcSS) subtype. HC was matched by age and gender. Serum lipid profiles and InBody anthropometrics were analyzed and compared. We performed descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis with Student's t, or Mann-Whitney U, correlation and chi-square according to the variable type and distribution. Total cholesterol was significantly higher in SSc than HC (345 vs 194, p = < 0.001). The BMI was higher in HC (26.2 vs 28.9, p < 0.001). Kilograms of muscle (19.8 vs 28.9, p < 0.001) and total fat (23.4 vs 28.9, p < 0.001) were lower in SSc patients compared to HC. VAI was similar when BMI < 25, but significantly higher when BMI > 25 in SSc than in HC (3 vs 1.9, p = 0.030). The increase in BMI at overweight or obese in SSc is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular risk.

Relationship between visceral adiposity index and glycemic and metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) is a gender-specific mathematical model based on BMI, waist circumference (WC) and lipid parameters. No study has yet examined the relationship between this index and the glycemic and metabolic parameters in children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The current study aims at examining the relationship between glycemic and metabolic control and VAI in children and adolescents with Type 1 DM.

METHODS

A total of 150 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years with Type 1 DM were included in this study. Anthropometric, glycemic and metabolic parameters were examined. VAI was calculated using gender-specific formulas. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 23.

RESULTS

The average age of the participants was 12.2 ± 3.1 years (females 53.0%). The females had higher rates of VAI, microalbuminuria and hypertension than males. Participants of both gender with higher VAI quartiles had higher anthropometric measurements, insulin usage, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides and urine microalbumin and had poor glycemic control. Sex adjusted correlation analysis showed that VAI is negatively correlated with estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), and positively correlated with insulin dose, LDL-C, triglycerides, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and microalbuminuria.

CONCLUSION

The present paper is the first study examining the relationship between Type 1 DM and VAI. Higher VAI values in children and adolescents with type 1 DM may adversely affect glycemic and metabolic control. VAI can be a useful and new method in evaluating glycemic and metabolic control in children and adolescents with Type 1 DM.

Comparison of the ability of HOMA-IR, VAI, and TyG indexes to predict metabolic syndrome in children with obesity: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The increasing trend in childhood obesity needs to be closely monitored and intervened due to long-term health issues such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to determine and compare the cut-off values for the visceral adiposity index (VAI), triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), and HOMA-IR for predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2019 in Samsun, Turkey. The study included 169 children with obesity aged 9 and 10 years. After anthropometric and clinical evaluation, fasting blood samples were collected from the children. The areas under the curve of the visceral adiposity index, triglyceride-glucose index, and HOMA-IR were compared by receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis in predicting the MetS.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of MetS was 21.3% in children with obesity, and it was two times higher in girls than in boys. The mean values of TyG and VAI were significantly different in those who have and have not MetS in both genders. However, the HOMA-IR index was higher only in girls with MetS and did not differ in boys by having MetS. The VAI and the TyG index both had statistically significant cut-off values in both sexes and a larger ROC area than the HOMA-IR index in predicting MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

The VAI and TyG index are effective indicators in assessing the MetS risk in children with obesity. Both indexes can be considered useful tools in pediatric research and the evaluation of interventions. However, the HOMA-IR index formula needs to be developed taking into account age, gender, and ethnicity.

Visceral adiposity index is a better predictor to discriminate metabolic syndrome than other classical adiposity indices among young adults

BACKGROUND

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been identified as a cardiometabolic risk marker in children and adolescents which reflects abdominal fat distribution. The aim of the present study was to evaluated the predictive capacity of VAI, a body shape index (ABSI), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and triglycerides and glucose index (TyG index) compared with classical anthropometric measurements to discriminate metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 1372 individuals. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical measurements were used to screen the prevalence of MetS components and to calculate VAI, ABSI, TyG index, and AIP.

RESULTS

The discriminatory capacity among the variables was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). VAI was the variable with the highest AUC with 0.932 CI 95% (0.917-0.948), followed by AIP with 0.914 CI 95% (0.897-0.931), and TyG index with 0.889 CI 95% (0.871-0.908).

CONCLUSION

VAI is a promising tool to identify MetS in the late adolescence setting. Among the novel adiposity indexes VAI, AIP, TyG index are able to determine MetS presence, while ABSI is not capable.

Assessment of a consensus definition of obesity and metabolic health phenotypes in children at different pubertal stages

Not all individuals with obesity develop metabolic complications, which has brought about the concepts of metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity (MHO/MUO). However, inconsistent definitions of these conditions have limited their understanding. We assessed whether a recently-proposed consensus definition for MHO/MUO correlates with adiposity and reflects metabolic risk parameters during puberty. Low-middle income children from the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study (Santiago, Chile) were included (n = 949; 1692 visits at Tanner (T)2, T4 and/or one-year post menarche (1YPM)). Anthropometry, body composition and metabolic parameters were compared between MUO and MHO, and also in children without obesity. The risk for presenting MUO phenotype was significantly elevated with higher waist-height ratio (T2), zBMI (T2, T4), trunk fat, and C-reactive protein (T4). Elevated cardiometabolic indices were important predictors of the "unhealthy" phenotype allocation in children with or without obesity. Our observations suggest that the consensus definition in children at T2, T4 and 1YPM reflects metabolic risk and central obesity. Metabolic health phenotype allocation by this equation enables easy detection of risk factors that call for action to prevent long-term metabolic derangements in children with obesity and, importantly, also those without obesity.

Visceral adiposity-related dietary patterns and the risk of cardiovascular disease in Iranian adults: A population-based cohort study

Background

Visceral obesity is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Diet may associate with CVD risk through its effects on visceral adiposity. This study aimed to find dietary patterns (DPs) related to indicators of visceral adiposity and to determine whether the DPs were associated with CVD risk.

Methods

This prospective study included 2,496 participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) without CVD, who were followed from the third study examination (2005–2008; baseline) to March 2018. DPs at baseline were determined using reduced rank regression (RRR) and partial least squares regression (PLS). The response variables were age and BMI-adjusted waist circumference (WC) and age-adjusted visceral adiposity index (VAI).

Results

Two and three DPs were retained with RRR and PLS, respectively. The first patterns of each method were mainly characterized by adjusted-WC (RRR: 10.8%, PLS: 8.6%); none of them were associated with CVD risk. The second pattern of RRR and the third pattern of PLS were mainly explained by adjusted-VAI (RRR: 3.3, PLS: 2.1%). After adjusting for CVD risk factors, the hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals (CI)] for CVD in the second and third tertiles of the RRR-pattern 2 were 1.76 (1.15, 2.69) and 1.55 (1.00, 2.43) vs. the first tertile (p-trend: 0.058). This pattern had high positive loadings for non-leafy vegetables, pickled vegetables, fried vegetables, and bread and high negative loadings for eggs, cakes, butter, jam-honey, red meat, poultry, fish, juice, non-fermented dairy, and fruits. Per one SD increase in PLS-pattern 3 score, the risk of CVD was 19% higher (95%CI = 3–38%). This positive association was also observed across tertiles of the pattern (p-trend: 0.032). This pattern was characterized by high intakes of leafy vegetables, non-leafy vegetables, organ meat, soft drinks, olive oil, pickled vegetables, fried vegetables, and bread and low intakes of biscuits, cakes, butter, eggs, and non-fermented dairy.

Conclusion

For each of the RRR and PLS approaches, a visceral-related DP that was positively linked to CVD was identified. These two patterns had a modest correlation. The pattern generated by PLS explained more variations in food groups and offered stronger evidence of association with CVD than the RRR-derived pattern.

Visceral adiposity index is positively associated with blood pressure: A systematic review

PURPOSE

This systematic review aimed to investigate the association between VAI and blood pressure.

METHODS

The study was according to the PRISMA standards and the bibliographic search in the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases.

RESULTS

This review included 32 articles, with 60,482 individuals - children to elderly people between 7 and 102 years old - of different age groups, most of them female (54.9%; n = 26,478). The year of publication ranged from 2010 to 2020, indicating that it is a recent theme, applied in almost all continents (America, Europe, Africa and Asia). The authors used data as continuous or into quantiles; blood pressure data also varied, with different cutoff points for the classification of arterial hypertension or continuously. The vast majority of studies have shown a positive association between VAI and blood pressure, both the sexes, in different age groups. The evaluation of the quality of the articles used by the Tool of the Joanna Briggs Institute according to their design.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with increased VAI have higher blood pressure levels. Registration (PROSPERO: CRD42020205965).

Estimating trunk fat in children according to sex using basic somatic readings: an opportunity for improving evaluation among girls

BACKGROUND

The fat mass estimators waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and relative fat mass-pediatric (RFMp) complement the widely accepted body mass index (BMI) in obesity evaluation.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Conduct an easy appraisal of trunk fat and the cardiometabolic risk associated with pediatric obesity.

METHODS

A total of 472 children (39% boys in the total sample) were classified as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese (nutritional groups, NGs) according to BMI Z-score after initial anthropometric data were obtained and ad hoc exclusion criteria were applied. WHtR and RFMp (% of total fat) were calculated for each group, associations were assessed through multiple linear regression (MLR), and differences between sexes were evaluated (medians, IQR).

RESULTS

The mean age (mean (95% CI)) was 10.8 y (10.1-11.1). The values in the total sample were as follows: WHtR, 0.5 (0.49-0.51) and RFMp%, 32.3 (31.7-33.0). In the overweight group, the values were as follows: WHtR, 0.51 (0.50-0.52) and RFMp(%), 34.2 (33.3-35.1). In the obese group, the values were as follows: WHtR, 0.56 (0.55-0.57) and RFMp(%), 37.8 (36.9-38.6). The associations were as follows (NG; independent variables): In the NG, adjusted R2 values were between 0.74 and 0.78. In the total sample, the beta coefficient was 3.36 (P < 0.001) for RFMp for girls; for waist circumference (WC), the beta coefficient was 2.97 (P < 0.001), and for WHtR the beta coefficients were - 0.01 (p < 0.001) and 0.03 (p < 0.001),for girls and for WC respectively. The sex differences were as follows: BMI exhibited no differences in the NG (Mann-Whitney U). WHtR (median (IQR)) differed (M vs. F) in the total sample (0.49 (0.45-0.54) vs. 0.52 (0.45-0.56), p < 0.004); in the overweight group (0.51 (0.48-0.53) vs. 0.54 (0.51-0.55), p < 0.001); and in the obese group (0.55 (0.52-0.57) vs. 0.57 (0.54-0.60), p < 0.004). RFMp (%) differed in the total group (29.21 (24.27-32.92) vs. 36.63 (30.2-39.51), p < 0.001); in the overweight group (31.24 (28.35-32.35) vs. 37.95 (35.75-38.82), p < 0.001) and in the obese group (35.89 (32.05-36.15) vs. 40.63 (38.27-42.42), p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

WHtR and RFMp are simple and reliable indices that do not require centile charts. Their values, including waist circumference, can be used to estimate the different trunk fat components in boys and girls better than BMI, especially if individuals are overweight or obese. RFMp proved to be more reliable as it considers sex. Both should be included in routine anthropometric readings.

The Accuracy of Visceral Adiposity Index for the Screening of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a novel marker of fat distribution and function which incorporates both anthropometric and laboratory measures. Recently, several studies have suggested VAI as a screening tool for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Here, we aimed to consolidate the results of these studies by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched PubMed and EMBASE online databases for eligible studies that investigated the association of VAI and MetS. After reviewing 294 records, we included 33 eligible papers with a sum of 20516 MetS and 53242 healthy participants. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed, and the relevant data was extracted. All included studies reported a significant association between VAI and MetS screening, but were highly heterogeneous in their reported effects. We pooled the diagnostic test accuracy metrics of VAI for MetS screening and showed that it has a moderate-to-high accuracy with an area under the summary receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.847, a pooled sensitivity of 78%, and a pooled specificity of 79%. Besides, we pooled the difference in means of VAI between patients with MetS and healthy controls, revealing that VAI was 2.15 units higher in MetS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

VAI is an accurate, low-cost, and widely available screening marker for MetS. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its applicability in clinical practice, determine an optimal cut-off, and identify populations that would benefit the most from it.

Sex-dependent effects of forced exercise in the body composition of adolescent rats

Determining the body composition during adolescence can predict diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndromes later in life; and physical activity became an effective way to restore changes in body composition. However, current available literature assessing the body composition before, during and after adolescence in female and male rodents by in vivo techniques is scarce. Thus, by using computerized tomography, we aimed to define the baseline of the weight and body composition during the adolescence and young adulthood of female and male Sprague-Dawley rats (on P30, P60 and P90) under standard diet. Then, we determined the effect of 18 days of forced exercise on the body weight and composition during the early adolescence (P27-45). The highest percentual increments in weight, body volume and relative adipose contents occurred during the female and male adolescence. Forced running during the early adolescence decreased weight, body volume and relative adipose delta and increment values in males only. The adolescence of rats is a period of drastic body composition changes, where exercise interventions have sex-dependent effects. These results support a model that could open new research windows in the field of adolescent obesity.

Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: No Association with Daily Energy Intake but Promising Tool to Identify Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

(1) Background. Visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been recently identified as a new cardiometabolic risk marker reflecting abdominal fat distribution and dyslipidaemia. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the relationship between VAI, daily energy intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a cohort of obese Caucasian children and adolescents, aged 8 to 15 years. (2) Methods. Consecutive Italian children and adolescents with obesity, according to World Health Organization were enrolled. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood samples have been analyzed for lipids, insulin and glucose levels. MetS was diagnosed using identification and prevention of dietary- and lifestyle-induced health effects in children and infants (IDEFICS) or International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria according to age. Homeostatic model assessment index (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), A body shape index (ABSI) and VAI were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses with sex, age and each anthropometric parameter (body mass index (BMI) z-score, ABSI, waist-to-height ratio (WHR)) or VAI was performed to predict MetS. Receiver operation curve (ROC) analysis was used to define the optimal VAI cut-off to identify MetS. Multiple regression was performed to predict the BMI z-score and VAI from daily energy intake after adjusting for age and sex. (3) Results. Six hundred and thirty-seven (313 boys and 324 girls) children and adolescents with obesity with median age 11 (interquartile range 10-13) years were included in the analysis. MetS was diagnosed in 79 patients. VAI correlated with BMI, WHR, ABSI, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, systolic blood pressure, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and triglycerides-to-HDL ratio (p < 0.050). Optimal VAI cut-off (AUC) values to identify MetS were 1.775 (0.774), 1.685 (0.776) and 1.875 (0.797) in the whole population, boys and girls, respectively. Energy intake was positively associated with BMI z-score but no association was found with VAI. (4) Conclusion. VAI is a promising tool to identify MetS in children and adolescents with obesity and should be used in the management of abdominal obesity together with dietary assessment.

Is Macronutrients Intake a Challenge for Cardiometabolic Risk in Obese Adolescents?

(1) Background: Pediatric obesity is an emerging public health issue, mainly related to western diet. A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the association between macronutrients intake and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese adolescents. (2) Methods: Ninety-three Italian obese adolescents were recruited; anthropometric parameters, body composition, glucose and lipid metabolism profiles were measured. Macronutrients intake was estimated by a software-assisted analysis of a 120-item frequency questionnaire. The association between macronutrients and cardiometabolic risk factors was assessed by bivariate correlation, and multiple regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders such as age and sex. (3) Results: By multiple regression analysis, we found that higher energy and lower carbohydrate intakes predicted higher body mass index (BMI) z-score, p = 0.005, and higher saturated fats intake and higher age predicted higher HOmeostasis Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and lower QUantitative Insulin-sensitivity ChecK (QUICK) index, p = 0.001. In addition, a saturated fats intake <7% was associated with normal HOMA-IR, and a higher total fats intake predicted a higher HOMA of percent β-cell function (HOMA-β), p = 0.011. (4) Conclusions: Higher energy intake and lower carbohydrate dietary intake predicted higher BMI z-score after adjustment for age and sex. Higher total and saturated fats dietary intakes predicted insulin resistance, even after adjustment for confounding factors. A dietary pattern including appropriate high-quality carbohydrate and reduced saturated fat intakes could result in reduced cardiometabolic risk in obese adolescents.