Obesity, Overweight, Body Adiposity and Cardiovascular Risk in Children and Adolescents

Lipid Biomarkers and Atherosclerosis-Old and New in Cardiovascular Risk in Childhood

Lipids are a complex group of molecules in the body, essential as structural, functional and metabolic components. When disbalanced, they are regarded as a cardiovascular risk factor, traditionally in cholesterol level evaluation. However, due to their complex nature, much research is still needed for a comprehensive understanding of their role in atherosclerosis, especially in the young. Several new lipid biomarkers are emerging, some already researched to a point, such as lipoproteins and apolipoproteins. Other lipid molecules are also being increasingly researched, including oxidized forms due to oxidative inflammation in atherosclerosis, and sphingolipids. For many, even those less new, the atherogenic potential is not clear and no clinical recommendations are in place to aid the clinician in using them in everyday clinical practice. Moreover, lipids' involvement in atherogenesis in children has yet to be elucidated. This review summarizes the current knowledge on lipids as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in the paediatric population.

Dietary Patterns, Weight Perception and Obesity Status, among 10-12-Year-Old Children; an Epidemiological Study in Greece

Adherence to certain dietary patterns influences obesity status in both children and adults. Weight perception influences dietary habits. The aim of this study was to examine children’s dietary habits and obesity status, in relation to weight perception. One thousand seven hundred Greek students enrolled in this study during 2014–2016. Children’s characteristics were assessed through validated questionnaires, and weight status was classified according to the criteria of the International Obesity Task Force. Dietary patterns were assessed through exploratory factor analysis. Overall, 52.2% of children characterized themselves as normal weight, 34.5% as low weight, and 13.3% as overweight/obese; 52.5% of children were in accordance with their actual weight status, with girls being more likely to overestimate their weight. Children followed three dietary patterns, i.e., starchy and protein foods, unhealthy/high-fat foods, and healthy foods. Children who followed the healthy dietary pattern and had accurate weight perception (in accordance with their actual weight), had lower odds of being overweight/obese (p < 0.001). Accurate weight perception in conjunction with healthy dietary habits may play a determinant role in the prevention of obesity. From a public health perspective, early identification of children’s weight misperception along with healthy dietary habit promotion shape a crucial role in childhood obesity confrontation.