Association between WHO cut-offs for childhood overweight and obesity and cardiometabolic risk

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between cardiovascular risk and childhood overweight and obesity using the BMI cut-offs recommended by the WHO.DesignChildren were classified as normal weight, overweight and obese according to the WHO BMI-for-age reference. Blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and uric acid levels were compared across BMI groups. ANOVA and tests of linearity were used to assess overall mean differences across groups. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated for adverse plasma levels of biochemical variables.SettingPaediatric care centres.SubjectsChildren (n149) aged 8–18 years.ResultsAbout 37 %,…