Key result
Higher total body fat in children is strongly linked to decreased autonomic regulation and sympathetic predominance.
Why the study?
Obesity and overweight in children are global socio-economic and medical problems with unclear pathophysiological mechanisms affecting target organs including the heart and blood vessels.
Cross-Sectional (n=72)
No
Should not yet prompt autonomic screening in overweight children; leaves open causal links and clinical relevance.
Objective: Obesity and overweight in children is a socio-economic and medical problem around the world. [1] Target organs for the influence of excess fat are the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver and others. Therefore, more and more scientists and health professionals try to detect, prevent and control childhood obesity. [2] Methods: 72 children aged 10-11 years were examined by body composition parameters using the bioimpedance method on Tanita BC-601 analyzer scales. Heart rate variability and autonomic nervous system status were assessed using a “CardioLab” electrocardiograph. Results: Both BMI and total body fat, visceral fat and fat free mass were statistically significantly correlated with the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. As the total fat content of the body increased, the total power of the regulatory systems decreased. Visceral fat content was statistically significantly affected by both ANS systems, but there was a stronger association between visceral fat and the sympathetic nervous system. Conclusion: The data obtained can serve as an impetus for the identification of children with autonomic dysfunction and overweight to develop corrective and preventive programs for the prevention of CVD by normalizing the body composition.
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Kyu et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Overweight / Obesity (n=72). Body composition components (Total body fat, Visceral fat, BMI) vs. Lower fat content / continuous scale was evaluated on Heart rate variability indicators characterizing the functional activity of the autonomic nervous system (Total Power) (r = -0.69, p=<0.05). Increased total body fat in primary school children was significantly correlated with decreased total power of autonomic regulatory systems (r = -0.69) and increased sympathetic activity.
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