Authors : Kuriyan R, Sokolovic N, Kurpad AV, Thomas T
Publication Year : 2013
BACKGROUND:
Visceral adiposity poses significant consequences for long-term health and it is important to identify methods that can be used to prevent fat deposition in visceral adipose tissue.
OBJECTIVE:
To identify the factors contributing to differential fat distribution in overweight/obese children.
METHODS:
Demographic, dietary and lifestyle factors potentially associated with increased visceral adipose tissue in overweight and obese South-Indian children aged 3 to 16 years. The diagnosis of visceral obesity was based on the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) cut-off value of 0.5.
RESULTS:
Exposure variables with statistically different distributions in the two WHtR categories, when examined by Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests, were used to develop a binary logistic regression model of visceral adiposity. Increased birthweight and higher sleep duration were significant predictors of having a healthy WHtR, with odds ratios of 1.30 and 1.26 respectively.
CONCLUSIONS:
Early programming effects associated with low birthweight and current sleep deprivation could promote the storage of excess fat as visceral adipose tissue in overweight and obese children.