Master of Science

thesisPrevious studies have reported that maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and child birth weight are positively associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors. Physical activity and dietary habits may play a role in reducing these risk factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of prepregnancy BMI, GWG, child birth weight, physical activity, and dietary habits with metabolic dysfunction. Participants (n=124) included obese children and adolescents aged 8-17. In a fasted state, serum glucose, serum insulin, and a complete lipid profile were obtained. Anthropometrics, including body weight, height, and waist circumference, blood pressure, and self-reported survey responses were assessed as well. The chi-squared and Mantel-Haenzel test statistic were used to examine the differences in proportions for the outcome of metabolic dysfunction. In this sample, 76.9% of children and adolescents had metabolic dysfunction. Child birth weight was positively correlated (p=0.033) with a diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction. Sedentary behavior was positively related (p=0.015) with metabolic dysfunction; however, physical activity levels were not. Contrary to previous studies, prepregnancy BMI and GWG were not correlated with a diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction. More research is needed to determine the relationship between prepregnancy BMI, GWG, and child birth weight. These findings support the need for lifestyle interventions in obese children and adolescents, particularly in reducing sedentary behaviors in this population