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Obese Adolescents (obese + adolescent)
Selected AbstractsDay type and the relationship between weight status and sleep duration in children and adolescentsAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2 2010Tim Olds Abstract Objective: This study aimed to explore sleep duration in young Australians on different types of days across weight classes. Methods: Use of time and anthropometric data were collected on 8,866 nights from 3,884 9,18 year old Australians. The association between sleep duration and weight status was examined using factorial ANOVA for four day types: S-S (to bed and waking on school days); S-NS (to bed on school day and waking on non-school day); NS-NS (to bed and waking on non-school days); NS-S (to bed on non-school day and waking on school day). Results: Sleep duration varied with weight status when all day types were considered together (p=0.0012). Obese adolescents slept less than normal and underweight adolescents. However, the relationship varied for different day types; with the strongest relationship for NS-S days (on which obese children slept 65 min less than very underweight children, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The association between weight status and sleep duration showed consistent gradients across weight categories, but only for certain day types. Implications: These patterns cast light on the direction of causation in the obesity-sleep duration relationship. Findings suggest that short sleep duration contributes to obesity, or that a third unidentified factor has an impact on both. [source] Managing childhood obesity: when lifestyle change is not enoughDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 11 2010C. Hearnshaw The management of childhood obesity is a clinical dilemma. Paediatricians will see those children whose weight is at the severe end of the spectrum with obesity-related co-morbidities and for whom more intensive weight loss therapies may be appropriate. A literature review was performed (January 1995,January 2010) of the roles of pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery in the management of childhood obesity. Three hundred and eighty-three abstracts were reviewed and 76 full-text articles were requested. Of these, 34 were excluded and a total of 21 pharmacotherapy papers and 22 papers on surgery were reviewed in detail. All studies involved adolescents. Pharmacotherapy: Most studies were small and of short duration, the notable exceptions being two large RCTs of sibutramine and orlistat. Sibutramine led to a mean estimated change in BMI from baseline of ,3.1 kg/m2 vs. ,0.3 kg/m2 for placebo over 12 months. Orlistat was also beneficial with a mean reduction in BMI of 0.55 vs. an increase of 0.31 kg/m2 in the placebo group at 12 months. Bariatric surgery: Most papers presented clinical observations and there were no randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Robust selection criteria were not used and ideal candidate selection remains unclear. Most papers showed a significant benefit of surgery in severely obese adolescents in the short term but long-term data were sparse. There were a surprisingly large number of papers examining the benefits of intensive weight management in obese adolescents. The study design of many was inadequate and the role of pharmacotherapy or surgery in childhood obesity remains unclear. [source] Our children and the metabolic syndromeDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 7 2006Jean-Claude Desmangles Abstract The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disturbances that result in an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults. Despite the lack of a uniform definition of the syndrome for children, several studies have reported an overall prevalence of 3 to 4% among children. Among obese adolescents, the prevalence can be as high as 30 to 50%. Besides insulin resistance and obesity, the intrauterine environment and genetic factors also seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome in children. In view of the current obesity epidemic and since an increasing amount of evidence shows that obesity during adolescence is significantly associated with insulin resistance, abnormal serum lipid levels, and elevated blood pressure during adulthood, there is a great need for a clear definition, for the development of screening guidelines, and for appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for the metabolic syndrome in the pediatric population. Drug Dev. Res. 67:602,606, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Calcium intake and its relationship with adiposity and insulin resistance in post-pubertal adolescentsJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 2 2008L. C. Dos Santos Abstract Background, Dietary calcium intake has been described as being a negative contributor to adiposity. In adolescents, this relationship is not well established. The objectives of the present study were to compare the calcium intake of normal-weight and obese adolescents and to evaluate its relationship with adiposity and insulin resistance. Methods, A cross-sectional analysis of 96 post-pubertal adolescents; 47 normal weight and 49 obese, mean age 16.6 (SD ± 1.3) years. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intake was evaluated using a 3-day dietary record. The biochemical evaluation comprised the measurements of serum lipids, lipoproteins, glucose and insulin. Insulin resistance was calculated using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results, The mean calcium intake, adjusted for energy, was lower in obese adolescents, 585.2 (±249.9) mg, than in normal weight adolescents, 692.1 (±199.5) mg. Only 4% of adolescents had an adequate intake of calcium. Calcium intake was inversely associated with body trunk fat, insulin and HOMA-IR in the obese group. The quartile analysis of calcium intake provided evidence that girls in the highest quartile had decreased adiposity and insulin resistance. Conclusions, This study showed a negative relationship between calcium intake and body fat and insulin resistance, mainly in obese girls, and demonstrates the importance of an increased dietary calcium intake. [source] Obesity and obesity-related secondary conditions in adolescents with intellectual/developmental disabilitiesJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010J. H. Rimmer Abstract Background To explore the prevalence of obesity and related secondary conditions associated with obesity in adolescents with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Methods In total, 461 parents of adolescents with IDD (M = 14.9 year, SD = 1.9) across 49 US states completed a web-based survey containing questions related to their child's health status, including body weight and existing health conditions. Results were compared with published data for youth without disabilities. Results Adolescents with autism and Down syndrome were two to three times more likely to be obese than adolescents in the general population. Secondary health conditions were higher in obese adolescents with IDD compared with healthy weight adolescents with IDD including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, depression, fatigue, liver or gallbladder problems, low self-esteem, preoccupation with weight, early maturation and pressure sores. Conclusion Obesity is as much of a health problem in youth with IDD as it is among youth without disabilities and, in certain disability groups, is a significantly greater health problem. Obese youth with IDD have a high number of obesity-related secondary conditions predisposing them to greater health problems as they transition into adulthood. Federal and local initiatives to reduce obesity among youth in the general population must recognise the need for interventions that are also relevant (i.e. accessible and effective) for youth with IDD. [source] Costs of managing conditions associated with obesity among Australian teenagersJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 7-8 2009Michael L Booth Aim: To determine the health-care charges associated with monitoring and managing, over 1 year, the cases of elevated insulin concentration, elevated alanine aminotransferase concentration and dyslipidaemia due to overweight or obesity among 15,19-year-old Australian males and females. Methods: Fasting blood samples (n= 500) were collected in 2004 from a representative population sample of adolescents (n= 496; mean age 15.3 years) attending schools in Sydney, Australia. Full service charges and Medicare expenditures for specialist medical and dietary consultations, pathology tests and radiological investigations, over 1 year, under efficient and inefficient health-care delivery models, including and excluding participants in the healthy body mass index (BMI) category. Results: Under an inefficient delivery model and including all participants with elevated risk factors, the Medicare expenditure was $A305.1 million per annum (M pa). Exclusion of participants in the healthy BMI category resulted in an annual Medicare expenditure of $A170.0M pa. Under an efficient delivery model and including all participants with elevated risk factors, the Medicare expenditure was $A295.5M pa. Exclusion of participants in the healthy BMI category reduced annual Medicare expenditure to $A164.8M pa. Medicare expenditure for 15,19-year-olds would increase by 48% if only cases among overweight and obese adolescents were treated and by 85% if all cases were identified and treated. Conclusions: Short-term management of the health consequences of overweight and obesity among adolescents will increase Medicare expenditure on this group by at least 48%. Failure to treat will delay, but compound, health-care expenditure. [source] Efficacy of weight loss drugs on obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adolescents: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsOBESITY REVIEWS, Issue 2 2010S. Czernichow Summary Weight loss drugs have been developed to reduce the comorbidities associated with excess weight. We conducted a meta-analysis of the efficacy of orlistat and sibutramine on weight, body mass index, waist circumference and cardiovascular risk factors in overweight adolescents. MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles using MESH terms and keywords. Studies were included if they had reported quantitative estimates and standard deviations of the association between each weight loss drug and weight, with information on at least one cardiovascular risk factor. A total of eight trials (three orlistat and five sibutramine) with information on 1391 individuals was included in the present analysis. The mean decrease in weight between the intervention and control groups was 5.25 kg (95% confidence interval: 3.03,7.48) after a minimum follow-up of 6 months. There was evidence of statistical heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 76%) that was no longer apparent after exclusion of trials of orlistat (mean weight decrease = 5.32 kg; I2 = 38%). There was little evidence that treatment was associated with adverse effects on cardiovascular risk factors but this requires verification from future large trials with longer study follow-up. [source] Obesity dynamics and cardiovascular risk factor stability in obese adolescentsPEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 6 2009Ram Weiss Aim:, Cross-sectional studies showed worsening of cardiovascular risk factors with increasing severity of childhood obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of obesity dynamics on cardiovascular risk factors and on the stability of the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MS) in obese youth. Methods and results:, A longitudinal assessment of components of the MS using two definitions was performed in 186 obese adolescents (106 females/80 males, age 13.1 ± 2.5 yr). Components of the MS were assessed at baseline and after 19 ± 7 months. We stratified the cohort into three categories based on the 25th and 75th percentile of body mass index (BMI) z-score change: category 1 reduced BMI z-score by 0.09 or more, category 2 had a BMI z-score change of between ,0.09 and 0.12, and category 3 increased BMI z-score by >0.12. Subjects who reduced their BMI z-score significantly decreased their fasting and 2-h glucose levels and triglyceride levels and increased their high density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison to subjects who increased their BMI z-score. BMI z-score changes negatively correlated with changes in insulin sensitivity (r = ,0.36, p < 0.001). Among those with no MS at baseline (n = 119), 10 (8%), most of whom significantly increased their BMI z-score, developed MS. Of 67 who had MS at baseline, 33 (50%), most of whom decreased their BMI z-score, lost the diagnosis. Conclusions:, Obesity dynamics, tightly linked to changes in insulin sensitivity, have an impact on each individual component of the MS and on the stability of the diagnosis of MS in obese youth. [source] Original Article: Activity, inactivity and quality of life among Lebanese adolescentsPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2010Abdallah Fazah Abstract Background:, The aim of the present study was to investigate recent overweight and obesity prevalence rates for Lebanese adolescents, and to examine differences in physical activity, screen time (sum of time spent in front of TV, computer, and videogames), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for the first time among normal, overweight, and obese adolescents. Methods:, One thousand Lebanese adolescents (14,18 years old) from nine schools participated in the study. Height, weight, physical activity, screen time, and HRQOL variables were assessed using validated self-report questionnaires. Results:, A total of 7.8% of boys and 1.75% of girls were obese, and 22.5% of boys and 12.47% of girls were overweight. Normal-weight boys reported higher physical activity scores at health clubs than obese boys. Normal-weight girls reported higher leisure time and total physical activity scores than obese girls. In the normal-weight group, boys reported higher total screen time than girls. Normal-weight boys reported higher physical functioning scores than their obese peers. Normal-weight girls reported higher physical functioning and average HRQOL scores than obese girls. Normal-weight and overweight boys reported higher average HRQOL scores than girls. Conclusion:, The present study is the first to provide data on physical activity, screen time, and HRQOL among Lebanese adolescents. Despite the need for further research, all those concerned with the pediatric population are urged to develop and implement effective strategies to increase physical activity and improve HRQOL among adolescents based on the present findings. [source] Coping in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: The Costs and Benefits of Realistic versus Unrealistic Weight EvaluationsAPPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, Issue 2 2010Stefanie Meier The study analysed differences in coping strategies between obese and non-obese children and adolescents (age: 8,14 years) in response to a social stressor. Physicians' diagnoses of obesity and self-reports on height and weight as well as gender and age were considered. A sample of 757 participants responded to an established German coping questionnaire. In addition to general coping strategies, two more potentially weight-related coping strategies were assessed. Adolescent obese girls who reported height and weight realistically showed particularly little social support-seeking behavior. Media use in general increased with age, but was especially high for adolescent obese boys who evaluated themselves as obese. Finally, girls in general and obese children and adolescents who evaluated themselves as overweight or obese showed higher stress-related eating. With regard to coping it seems to be a disadvantage for obese children and adolescents to see themselves as obese. In contrast, obese children and adolescents who have unrealistically positive self-evaluations of their weight report coping strategies similar to those reported by normal weight children and adolescents. It is assumed that positive self-evaluations of body weight prevent especially obese adolescents from inactivity and social isolation. Findings are relevant for the design of interventions to treat obesity. [source] Metabolic differences between male and female adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as detected by ultrasoundACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2010MTB Fernandes Abstract Background:, Age, developmental stage and gender are risk factors for paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aims:, The aim of this study was to identify differences in clinical or laboratory variables between sexes in adolescents with NAFLD. Methodology:, Ninety obese adolescents including 36 males and 54 females were evaluated. Inclusion criteria for this study were a Body Mass Index above the 95th percentile, as set forth by the National Center for Health Statistics, and an age of 10,19 years. A clinical and laboratory evaluation was conducted for all adolescents. Results:, The variables that were found to be predictive of NAFLD in adolescence were visceral fat, Aminotransferase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, triglyderides, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. We also observed that cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol variables were influenced by gender, i.e. there was a significant statistical difference in the values of these variables between male and female adolescents. With regard to cholesterol serum concentrations, the risk was 6.99 times greater for females, compared with 1.2 times for males; and for LDL-cholesterol serum concentrations the risk was 8.15 times greater for females, compared with and 1.26 times for males. Conclusion:, Female adolescents with NAFLD showed a significantly different metabolic behaviour than males. [source] Evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in obese adolescentsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2010L Wilms Abstract Aim:, Although obesity and weight gain generally are anticipated to be caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, the significance of thyroid hormones (TH) remains unclear. Examination of mitochondrial function may reflect intracellular thyroid hormone effect and elucidate whether a lower metabolic rate is present. Methods:, In a group of 34 obese adolescents (age <16 years and body mass index above the age-related 95th percentile), and an age- and gender-matched group of 32 lean adolescent, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and basal oxygen consumption were measured and mitochondrial function in peripheral blood monocytes was determined by flow cytometry. Results:, Significant increase in TSH (3.06 ± 1.56 mU/L vs. 2.33 ± 0.91 mU/L, p < 0.05) and a decrease in VO2 (129 ± 16 mL O2/m2*min vs. 146 ± 15 mL O2/m2*min, p < 0.05) were observed in obese adolescents compared with lean adolescents. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated a lower mitochondrial mass (6385 ± 1962 a.u. vs. 7608 ± 2328 a.u., p < 0.05) and mitochondrial membrane potential (11426 ± 3861 a.u. vs. 14017 ± 5536 a.u., p < 0.05) in obese adolescents compared with lean adolescents. These results are even more pronounced in adolescents with obese mothers. Conclusion:, In obese adolescents, the increased TSH and lowered VO2 propose a lowered basal metabolic rate and the impaired mitochondrial function suggests a decreased thyroid hormone stimulation of mitochondrial energy production. The maternal in-heritage is suggestive of a basal metabolic defect or mitochondrial resistance for TH. [source] Overweight/obesity and factors associated with body mass index during adolescence: the VYRONAS studyACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2009Constantinos Mihas Abstract Aim: To describe overweight and obese adolescents and to determine any correlations between an adolescent's body mass index (BMI) with personal (age, gender), lifestyle (sedentary/sport activities, smoking status) and parental (smoking status, BMI, number of cars) characteristics. Methods: Cross-sectional data on weight, height and various characteristics from 2008 Greek adolescents (12- to 17-year olds, 50.85% boys), measured in 2005,2007, were used. Results: Almost 1 in 5 (19.2%) boys and 1 in 7 (13.2%) girls 12,17 years of age were overweight while 4.4% of the boys and 1.7% of the girls were obese. The adolescents' age, mother's smoking status, father's and mother's BMI predicted boys' and girls' BMI (b = 0.551, 0.203, 0.110, 0.495 for boys, b = 0.233, 0.187, 0.180, 0.531 for girls, respectively, p , 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that television watching/using personal computer/playing video games and playtime were not correlated with BMI, while an inverse association of exercising for , 5 h/week and BMI was found in both boys and girls (b =,1.098, ,0.528, p = 0.005, 0.004 respectively). Conclusion: The results of our study underline the high prevalence of obesity during adolescence in Greece. Age and parental unhealthy behaviour (increased BMI and maternal smoking status) were positive predictors of increased BMI of adolescents in both genders. [source] Low-carbohydrate (low & high-fat) versus high-carbohydrate low-fat diets in the treatment of obesity in adolescentsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2 2009S Demol Abstract Aim: To compare the impact of low-carbohydrate diets of different fat content to high-carbohydrate low-fat diet on weight and metabolic parameters in obese adolescents. Methods: Fifty-five patients aged 12,18 years with a body mass index (BMI) above the 95th percentile were randomly allocated to one of three isoenergetic diet regimens. Anthropometric and metabolic measurements were taken after overnight fast, at baseline, after the 12-week intervention and after nine month of follow-up. Results: No significant differences were found among the groups in changes in BMI, BMI-percentile, fat percentage, or metabolic markers at the end of the intervention and at the end of follow-up. Insulin level and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) level decreased significantly at both time points only in the two low carbohydrate diet groups. Conclusion: All diet regimens are associated with a significant reduction in BMI and improvement of some metabolic parameters in obese adolescents. Low-carbohydrate diets apparently have no advantage over high-carbohydrate low-fat diets. The significant drop in insulin level and HOMA in the low carbohydrate diet groups is noteworthy given the increasing frequency of type-2 diabetes as part of metabolic syndrome in children and youth. The impact of low carbohydrate diets in obese and insulin-resistant youth warrants further investigation. [source] Participation in organized weekly physical exercise in obese adolescents reduced daily physical activityACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2 2009Maria Hagströmer Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the impact of organized weekly exercise for 13 weeks on aerobic fitness, objectively assessed habitual physical activity and body weight in obese adolescents. Methods: After inclusion and diagnostic evaluation, the adolescents were randomized to either an exercise group or to a control group which lasted for 13 weeks and consisted of a variety of group exercise activities. Out of 47 adolescents 31 (66%) could be evaluated, 16 in the exercise group and 15 in the control group. Results: After the intervention, the exercise group had decreased the daily time spent in moderate activity by 17 (32) min/day (p < 0.05), and the average intensity by 60 (96) counts/min (p < 0.05). A tendency for increased time spent in inactivity was found (37 min/day). No differences were seen in the control group for any of the variables measured. Conclusion: The exercise group showed, in contrast to expectations, a reduction in total daily physical activity with organized physical exercise compared to the control group. This may partly explain the failure of many intervention trials. [source] Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in secondary school adolescents in Beijing, ChinaACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2008XU Yi-Qun Abstract Aim: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of the metabolic syndrome and to determine the risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in secondary school adolescents. Methods: In 2006, we conducted a school-based survey in Beijing, China. Questionnaire data, anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements were available for 2020 adolescents aged 14,16 years. The metabolic syndrome was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program's (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) criteria modified for age. Results: The overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among adolescents was 3.3%. In Beijing, 4.2% of boys and 2.5% of girls were affected (p < 0.05). The syndrome was present in 28.1% of obese adolescents compared with 6.0% of overweight and 0.2% of normal status (p < 0.001). Abdominal obesity and elevated blood pressure were the most common components of the metabolic syndrome in boys, and elevated triglyceride (TG) and abdominal obesity were the most common in girls. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was influenced by body mass index (BMI) status, father's educational degree and pubertal development. Conclusion: The metabolic syndrome and its components are frequent in overweight and obese adolescents in Beijing. Early identification and treatment of these risk factors may help target intervention to improve future cardiovascular health. [source] Liver dysfunction in paediatric obesity: a randomized, controlled trial of metforminACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 9 2007Michael Freemark Abstract Aim: In a previous study we showed that metformin reduced BMI z -scores and fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, and increased whole body insulin sensitivity in obese adolescents with fasting hyperinsulinemia and a family history of type 2 diabetes. We analyzed the data from this study to determine (a) if metformin reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations during the 6-month trial, and (b) if the response to pharmacotherapy varied along gender or ethnic lines. Methods: The 6-month trial was randomized, double blinded and placebo controlled; a total of 14 metformin-treated (500 mg bid) and 15 placebo-treated subjects completed the study. There were no dietary restrictions. Results: In obese adolescents fed ad libitum, metformin (a) prevented the rise in ALT concentrations that were observed in placebo-treated subjects at the 3 to 5 month time-points (p < 0.05); (b) reduced (p < 0.01) the percentage of all ALT values exceeding 40 U/L; and (c) caused a modest (10%) but statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum ALT in Caucasian subjects. Metformin had no effect on ALT levels or the ALT to AST ratio in the five African American adolescents enrolled in the study but reduced their fasting insulin concentrations from 26.1 to 19.5 ,U/mL (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that metformin might reduce the rates or severity of liver dysfunction in selected high-risk adolescents. [source] Adiponectin levels in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Orit Pinhas-Hamiel Summary Objective, To determine serum adiponectin concentrations in adolescent girls with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to assess possible correlations of adiponectin levels with insulin and androgen levels. Design, Prospective case,control study. Setting, Endocrine clinics in the community. Patients, Forty-four adolescent girls were grouped as follows: 14 were overweight [body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score >1·645] with PCOS; 16 were lean (BMI SDS <1·036) with PCOS; and 14 were lean (BMI SDS <1·036) without PCOS. Intervention, Blood samples were collected from all girls between 8 and 11 am, after an overnight fast. Main outcome measures, Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, insulin, Müllerian-inhibiting substance, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, androstendione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and 17,-oestradiol. Results, Adiponectin concentrations were significantly decreased in obese adolescents with PCOS (10·5 ± 5·5 ,g/ml) compared with that in lean girls with or without PCOS (16·9 ± 8·64 and 18·0 ± 7·4 ,g/ml respectively). Leptin levels were significantly elevated in obese adolescents with PCOS compared with the levels in normal weight adolescents with PCOS, and compared with that in normal weight controls. Insulin levels were markedly higher in obese adolescents with PCOS compared with that in normal weight adolescents (12·3 ± 12·2 vs. 4·5 ± 2·9, P < 0·05), and compared with that in normal weight PCOS adolescents (7·4 ± 4·9); however, this difference was not statistically significant. Insulin levels did not differ between normal weight adolescents with PCOS and normal controls. Adiponectin concentrations correlated inversely with BMI, leptin and insulin. Conclusions, Hypoadiponectinaemia is evident only in obese adolescents with PCOS and therefore does not seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS in this age group. [source] Influence of overweight and obesity on physician costs in adolescents and adults in Ontario, CanadaOBESITY REVIEWS, Issue 1 2009I. Janssen Summary The study purpose was to perform an obesity cost-of-illness analysis for individuals living in the province of Ontario, Canada. The participants consisted of a representative sample of 25 038 adults and 2440 adolescents (aged 12,17 years) who participated in the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The CCHS data set includes measures of body mass index (BMI) (classified as normal weight, overweight or obese) and relevant covariates (age, income, smoking, alcohol, physical activity). The CCHS data set was linked to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan providers' database to obtain physician costs for 2002,2003. A two-part modelling approach was used to calculate and compare the average annual physician cost according to BMI. After adjusting for the covariates, physician costs were not significantly higher in overweight men and women compared with those with a normal weight. Physician costs were 14.7% higher in obese men and 18.2% higher in obese women than in men and women with a normal weight. Average physician costs were comparable in normal-weight and overweight/obese adolescents ($233 per year in both groups). Because Ontario operates a publicly funded healthcare system, the findings of this study have relevance for other provinces/states and countries that operate similar healthcare systems. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||