Lipid and glucose profiles in children and adolescents: associations with body composition and metabolic risk factors—a cross-sectional study

The increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic disturbances among children and adolescents underscores the need to evaluate early risk factors. This study aimed to assess the associations between anthropometric indices, physical activity, sleep duration, and lipid and glucose profiles in a sample of Polish youth. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 308 school-aged children and adolescents (7-17 years) in southeastern Poland. Anthropometric parameters and body composition were measured using standardized protocols and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical activity and sleep were objectively monitored using ActiGraph accelerometers. Lipid and glucose profiles were obtained via fasting capillary blood samples. A substantial proportion of participants exhibited abnormal lipid levels: 20.8% had borderline or high total cholesterol, 25.6% had elevated triglycerides, and 34.7% had suboptimal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Over one-third were classified as overfat or with obesity. Stepwise logistic regression identified low muscle mass as a significant predictor of high triglycerides (OR = 0.20; p < 0.001), and higher waist or hip circumference centiles were associated with low high-density lipoprotein levels. Only 25.5% of participants met physical activity recommendations, which was associated with lower triglyceride levels. Sleep duration did not significantly correlate with lipid or glucose outcomes. Dyslipidemia and excess adiposity are prevalent among Polish youth and are strongly associated with unfavorable body composition and low physical activity levels. Waist and hip circumferences emerged as important indicators of lipid risk. These findings highlight the importance of early prevention strategies targeting body composition and physical activity to mitigate long-term cardiometabolic risks.