A prospective study of weight and metabolic syndrome in young hispanic children.
Abstract
Objective
Examine weight in young Hispanic children over a two-year period; investigate the relationships among overweight, physical activity, caloric intake, and family history in the development of the metabolic syndrome (MS).
Methods
Forty-seven children (ages 5–8) from diverse Hispanic backgrounds recruited from elementary schools were evaluated. Laboratory analyses, anthropometric data, and measures of physical activity and caloric intake were included.
Results
The majority of the children were overweight at baseline (66%) and at follow-up (72%). Children who were overweight at baseline were more likely to exhibit MS at follow-up than were those who were not overweight at baseline.
Conclusions
Overweight appears to be an independent predictor of MS among Hispanic children.