Urinary Volatile Organic Compounds in Obese vs. Normal Weight Children: Insights Into Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities

Objectives: Childhood obesity affects multiple organ systems, contributing to significant morbidity and an increased risk of premature mortality. It is linked to early atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) offers an opportunity to identify novel biomarkers associated with disease. While prior studies have examined VOCs signatures in breath related to obesity, limited research has focused on urinary VOCs. Moreover, many studies have not accounted for confounding variables such as racial and socioeconomic status (SES) disparities, which are closely associated with childhood obesity prevalence.