Prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in obese adolescent students in the city of Fortaleza

Context: Obesity, a growing problem among adolescents, is associated with a wide range of disorders and plays a crucial role in metabolic syndrome. Objetive: Estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in obese adolescents and analyze the contribution of its components and that of insulin resistance. Study design and location: Cross-sectional population-based study conducted with adolescents from private and public schools in Fortaleza. Participants: The study population included 272 obese adolescents aged 15–19 years. Methods: Clinical evaluations and laboratory tests to classify metabolic syndrome according to the criteria provided by National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) of the adjusted for age, and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 36% and 32.4%, respectively, according to the criteria adopted (NCEP ATP III and IDF). Men were more frequently affected (49.1%) than women (26.9%; P<0.05). Insulin resistance was more common among subjects with metabolic syndrome (45.5% vs. 25.2%; P<0.05). The most prevalent components for metabolic syndrome were abdominal obesity and high blood pressure. Hyperglycemia was the least prevalent. Conclusions: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in obese students aged 15–19 years in Fortaleza compromises approximately one third of these adolescents. Abdominal obesity and high blood pressure were the most prevalent components. Insulin resistance was more common among subjects with metabolic syndrome.Contexto: a obesidade nos jovens está cada fez mais prevalente, estando associada a vários problemas de saúde, exercendo papel fundamental na síndrome metabólica. Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica em adolescentes obesos e analisar a contribuição dos seus componentes e da resistência à insulina. Tipo de estudo e local: estudo transversal de base populacional, realizado em escolas públicas e particulares de Fortaleza. Participantes: amostra de 272 escolares obesos de 15 a 19 anos. Métodos: avaliação clínica e laboratorial para classificação da síndrome metabólica, segundo os critérios do National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III), modificado para idade, e do International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Resultados: a prevalência de síndrome metabólica foi de 36% e 32,4%, respectivamente, pelos critérios adotados pelo NCEP-ATP III e pelo IDF, sendo maior no sexo masculino (49,1%) do que no feminino (26,9 %; P<0,05). A resistência à insulina foi maior nos obesos com síndrome metabólica (45,5% versus 25,2%; P