What is the relationship between obesity and new circadian rhythm parameters in Turkish children and adolescents? A case-control study

Background: Although the relationship between circadian rhythm parameters and obesity in children and adolescents is recognized, there are few studies on this topic. The concept of sleep-corrected social jetlag (SJLsc) has been formulated recently, but its relationship with childhood obesity has not yet been established. Therefore, we thought that SJL might play an important role in the etiology of obesity. Accordingly, we aimed to compare circadian rhythm parameters between obese and normal-weight children and adolescents. Methods: Seventy-nine obese and eighty-two normalweight children and adolescents aged between 8 and 17 years participated in this case-control study, which took place in the Mardin province of Turkey. Data were collected with a sociodemographic information form, the Childhood Chronotype Questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements. Results: The average ages of the obese participants and controls were 12.3 +/- 2.3 and 12.4 +/- 2.2 years, respectively. Obese young people had greater evening preference, longer sleep debt duration, SJL duration and SJLsc duration, and higher Morningness-Eveningness Scale (MeScale) scores; and shorter mean sleep duration (p<0.005). In regression analyses, BMI z scores were significantly correlated with all circadian rhythm parameters, except SJLsc duration, while WC z scores were significantly correlated with all circadian rhythm parameters, except mean sleep duration. After adjustment, the high MeScale scores (OR: 1.142, p<0.05) and the presence of psychiatric disorder in the mother (OR: 15.075, p<0.05) were associated with obesity. Conclusions: Circadian rhythm parameters can play an important role in the etiology of obesity. Future studies with larger samples and fewer confounding factors are needed to clarify the etiological factors.

Automated summary

The study found a correlation between circadian rhythm parameters and obesity in children, with obese children showing greater evening preference and longer sleep debt duration. Obesity was associated with higher Morningness-Eveningness Scale scores and maternal psychiatric disorders. Further research with larger sample sizes and fewer confounding factors is needed to clarify the etiological factors.