The influence of fluctuations in BMI on cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial function in obese children and adolescents: is it harmful or protective?

Obesity is a prevalent problem, present in 7% of Belgian children between 2 and 17 years old. Studies have shown that if obese children reach a normal BMI by adulthood, there is no increased cardiovascular risk compared to adults with a normal BMI without a history of obesity. Therefore, weight management during childhood is the most effective form of prevention for subsequent cardiovascular problems. However, due to the frequent weight gain after weight loss and the conflicting hypotheses about its effect on cardiovascular co-morbidities, it is necessary to investigate the influence of these variations in weight.

Keywords:CARDIOVASCULAR RISK, ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION, PEDIATRICS, OBESITAS

Disciplines:Paediatrics