A study of body fat distribution-in childhood obesity and its associated metabolic risk factors

Background: The Objective of the present study was to find out fat distribution pattern in obese children between 6 to 12 years of age as compared to non-obese children of same age. Methods: A case control study was done between 1st July 2023 to 1st July 2024 on 138 children between 6 to 12 years of age group in Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana state. Ultra-sonographic measurement of fat thickness including maximum and minimum preperitoneal fat thickness, maximum and minimum abdominal subcutaneous fat, thickness at triceps and subscapular regions were determined in all participants. Fasting blood glucose was measured using enzymatic assay. Total cholesterol was measured by enzymatic assays. Results: Total 138 children were enrolled in the study. Out of 138 children included in study, the study population included 69 obese (35 females and 34 males) and 69 non-obese children (33 females and 36 males). When both groups were compared, weight, Body mass Index (BMI) and ultra-sonographic measurement of body fat thickness differed significantly. Conclusions: Obese children have high serum cholesterol, high serum triglyceride and high serum LDL levels as compared to non-obese children. In obese children, higher the fasting serum insulin level, more is the preperitoneal fat layer 5cm above the umbilicus with p-value of <0.05 which is significant.