Body fat distribution in trunk and legs are associated with cardiometabolic risk clustering among Chinese adolescents aged 10-18 years old.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of body fat distribution with cardiometabolic risk factors clustering among Chinese adolescents.

METHODS: In this cross sectional study a total of 1,175 adolescents aged 10-18 years underwent a comprehensive assessment of cardimetabolic risk factors. Body fat analysis was performed with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

RESULTS: Individuals with the CVRFs≥1 or CVRFs≥2 had higher indices of body fat distribution such as body fat mass (BFM) compared to those with normal CVRFs (all p<0.001). The prevalence of CVRFs≥1, CVRFs≥2 increased with increasing of the quartile of BFM, TBFM, ABFM, LBFM, PBF, VFL compared to normal subjects. After adjusted for age and sex, the study indicated an linear relationship between TBFM ( β = 0.693, 95% CI:0.363, 1.023), LBFM ( β = -1.471, 95% CI:-2.768, -0.175) and CVRFs z-score. Logistic regression models suggested TBFM was associated with CVRFs≥1 and CVRFs≥2 by higher odds. Lower odds of LBFM was associated with CVRFs≥2.

CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of the fat mass in specific region on the cardiovascular risk factors clustering is different among adolescents. The trunk fat is associated with higher clustered cardiometabolic risk, while leg fat mass is the protective factor.