The metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents

Introduction: Different evidences showed that metabolic syndrome starts early in life, yet the patterns of changes in insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk during puberty and normal development have not been completely defined. While the highest rates of childhood obesity have been observed in the developed countries, its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well and Iran was reported to be one of the seven countries with the highest prevalence of childhood obesity. So the aim of this review was to summarize metabolic syndrome risk factors in children. Methods: Based on our search in databases, 11 eligible articles were identified. The key words used for the search were: metabolic syndrome, METs, obesity, children, adolescents. Results: Different studies showed that children with abdominal obesity, as determined by WC, haveincreased metabolic risk factors for CVD and T2DM. It has also been clearly shown that insulin resistance in childhood can track in adult life. Insulin is strictly related to the development of hypertension, dyslipidemia, IGT, hepatic steatosis, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, early atherosclerosis and disordered fibrinolysis. On the other hand, the underlying insulin resistance of obesity seems to be an important pathophysiologic event contributing to the metabolic syndrome, and this is already evident in childhood. Sedentary life style, unhealthy eating habits and low quality of life are some probable risk factors in the development, maintenance and aggregation of METs.Based on the different studies low consumption of fruits, greens and milk, increasing consumption of salty industrialized snacks, sweets and soft drinks is related to increase in adiposity and insulin resistance among children. Conclusion: In conclusion due to the increasing number of overweight children, and because it is evident that the pathology of METs begins early in life, management of its complication is necessary in children as soon as possible.

Keywords:

Metabolic syndrome , obesity , Insulin , Children , Adolescents.