The associations of BMI-for-age with cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers, lifestyle and quality of life in 6–12-year-old children in Finland

Objective To investigate the association of BMI-for-age with lifestyle, quality of life, and levels of cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. Methods The study included 47 children with obesity aged 6–12 years in Hyvinkää area, Finland, between January 2019 and January 2023. Lifestyle and quality of life were assessed by questionnaires and a four-day food diary. Anthropometric measurements were performed, blood pressure measured, and fasting plasma samples drawn. Results Increased BMI-for-age was associated with increased plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration (standardized coefficient β = 0.33, p = 0.03) but decreased total (β = −0.35, p = 0.01) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (β = −0.30, p = 0.03). A greater frequency of drinking hot chocolate (β = 0.33, p = 0.03), eating fatty sweet pastries (β = 0.37, p = 0.01) and eating fatty salty pastries (β = 0.34, p = 0.02) were associated with higher BMI-for-age. Physical activity was low. The higher the BMI-for-age the more difficulties there were in experienced physical well-being (β = 0.39, p = 0.03). Almost half (43%) of the participants had been bullied. The association of being bullied with higher BMI-for-age approached statistical significance ( p = 0.07). Conclusions There is an increased risk of low-grade inflammation in children with obesity. Lifestyles are associated with weight gain and the risk of obesity, and children with obesity have difficulties in physical well-being and experience of being bullied.