Body Composition, Biochemical and Clinical Changes of Adolescents with Excessive Adiposity

Background: Adolescents with excess body fat and eutrophic had the same metabolic changes expected in obese individuals. Objective: To evaluate body composition, anthropometric changes, biochemical and clinical characteristics of female adolescents. Methods: A total of 113 adolescents from public schools in Vicosa, MG, divided into three groups: group 1 - consisting of eutrophic adolescents with excess body fat; group 2 - eutrophic with body fat within normal limits; and group 3 - with excess weight and body fat. Weight, height, waist and hip circumference, blood pressure were measured. The body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio were calculated. The percentage of body fat was obtained by bioelectrical impedance horizontally, following its own protocol for this evaluation. The assessment of the percentage of body fat and biochemistry was performed after 12 hours of fasting, and analyzed the lipid profile, blood glucose and insulin, homocysteine, leptin and C-reactive protein. Insulin resistance was calculated by NOMA index. Results: The group of eutrophic adolescents, with higher adiposity, behaved in relation to blood pressure, HDL and glucose levels, similarly to adolescents who are overweight. It can be seen that the HOMA index, insulin and leptin increased with increasing body fat. More than half of adolescents had total cholesterol and CRP levels above recommended levels. The most obvious metabolic disorder related to the lipid profile for both groups studied. Conclusion: Excess adiposity in normal weight adolescents may be related to clinical and biochemical changes similar to those found in adolescents who are overweight. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2010; 95(4): 464-472)