CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN ADOLESCENTS: ROLE OF INSULIN RESISTANCE AND OBESITY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Adolescents; Obesity; Insulin resistance; Cardiovascular risk factors; Dyslipidaemia; Inflammation
Abstract
Background: The global rise in adolescent obesity has emerged as a major public health concern due to its strong association with early cardiometabolic abnormalities. Obesity during adolescence is closely linked to insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, chronic low-grade inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which contribute to the early initiation of cardiovascular disease.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents aged 10–19 years, with specific emphasis on the role of obesity and insulin resistance, and to examine their association with metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular biomarkers.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 200 adolescents recruited from urban and semi-urban areas. Participants were classified into obese and non-obese groups based on age- and sex-specific body mass index criteria. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and nitric oxide levels were assessed. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. Statistical analysis included comparative tests and correlation analysis to determine associations between obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk markers.
Results: Obese adolescents exhibited significantly higher insulin resistance, adverse lipid profiles, and elevated inflammatory markers compared to their non-obese counterparts. Elevated levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein indicated increased cardiometabolic risk. Alterations in nitric oxide levels suggested early endothelial dysfunction in obese adolescents. The clustering of multiple cardiovascular risk factors was more prominent in adolescents with obesity and a positive family history of cardiovascular disease.Conclusion: Obesity and insulin resistance in adolescence are strongly associated with an unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile characterised by metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular abnormalities. Early identification and targeted preventive interventions during adolescence are crucial to reduce the long-term burden of cardiovascular disease.
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Nisha
Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Biochemistry, Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Sri Amritsar
Dr. Sahiba Kukreja
Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry,Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Sri Amritsar
Dr. Priyanka Devgun
Professor & Head Department of Community Medicine, Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Sri Amritsar
