GENDER DISPARITIES IN RISK OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG OBESE YOUTH

Background: Metabolic syndrome in obese youth is linked to an increased risk of early disease onset, particularly in males. This study examined the relationship between obesity and the components of metabolic syndrome in youth. Methods: The study included subjects aged 19–21 from various colleges screened for obesity (BMI, WC, and WHtR). Blood samples were analysed for fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, HDL-C and insulin levels. Results: Obese males showed an insignificant 8% higher blood glucose level (5.468±0.12 mmol/L) than their corresponding controls (5.060±0.17 mmol/L), and a striking 14.5% difference between obese males and females (4.773±0.081 mmol/L) (p<0.001). Overweight and obese groups collectively demonstrated higher HDL-C levels compared to their controls, reflecting a general upward trend in young adults, though it was not significant. Insulin levels were higher in obese males (1.07±0.36 ?IU/mL) compared to their controls (0.411±0.089 ?IU/mL, but the differences were not significant. In overweight males, triglyceride levels (102.7±7.2 mg/dL) were 26% higher than normal-weight males (81.5±6.1 mg/dL) (p<0.05), while obese males showed a 36.2% elevation (111.3±6.8 mg/dL) (p<0.005) and significantly higher levels compared to obese females (89.9±5.9 mg/dL) (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study highlights the early development of metabolic disturbances in obese youth, with males being at higher risk for metabolic syndrome and related diseases. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(4):37-9, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v20i4.1619