Insulin Resistance and the Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Children Referred to an Obesity Center

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents. Subjects: The cohort consisted of 518 patients, 250 boys, 268 girls, age ± sd: 11.8 ± 3.2 years, BMIsds ± sd: 2.94 ± 0.5. A standard OGTT was performed. Results: Impaired glucose tolerance was found in 9.4% of the boys and 5.5% of the girls. Impaired fasting glucose was found in 12.4% of the boys and 11.6% of the girls. The metabolic syndrome was present in 13.9% of children of 10 years or older. The proportion in which the metabolic syndrome was diagnosed was essentially not altered when pubertal groups were used instead of age groups. Conclusion: Both impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance as well as the metabolic syndrome are highly prevalent among obese children and adolescents.