Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Obese Children in Cote d’Ivoire

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among school-aged children in three municipalities of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and to analyze its anthropometric and biological determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,251 children aged 5 to 15 years. Among them, 64 children (31 obese and 33 normal-weight) underwent biological testing. Anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference, abdominal circumference), blood pressure, and biochemical parameters (blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol) were collected. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the NCEP ATP III criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20, employing Student’s t-test, the chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Results: Obese children had significantly higher values for weight, BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 25%, with a higher frequency among girls (20.3%) than among boys (4.7%). Abdominal obesity, hypertension, and low HDL cholesterol were the most common abnormalities. A positive correlation was observed between BMI and waist circumference (r = 0.788, p = 0.001), as well as between waist circumference and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.493, p = 0.004). Hyperuricemia was strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, suggesting its potential role as an early biomarker of cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: This study highlights a concerning prevalence of metabolic syndrome among obese children in Ivorian schools, particularly among girls. Abdominal obesity and hyperuricemia appear to be key factors in the development of cardiometabolic complications. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies, including early screening, the promotion of a balanced diet, and physical activity, in order to reduce the future burden of cardiovascular disease in Côte d’Ivoire.