Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to compare the myocardial performance index (MPI) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) of children who are metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) with children without obesity.

Methods

This study included 62 obese patients between 6 and 17 years of age and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy children. Two groups of obese patients were created: MUO (n=30) and MHO (n=32).

Results

Compared to controls, the MPI and cIMT of the obese groups were significantly greater. However, there was no significant difference in MPI and cIMT between the MUO and MHO groups. Additionally, there were independent associations between higher MPI and body mass index-SDS (BMI-SDS) (β=0.312, p=0.002) and between higher cIMT and waist circumference-SDS (WC-SDS) (β=0.371, p=0.003).

Conclusion

The primary outcome of the study indicates that while both MPI and cIMT values are elevated in obese children compared to non-obese controls, there is no significant difference between MUO and MHO groups. This suggests that obesity itself, irrespective of metabolic health, is associated with increased cardiovascular risks. BMI-SDS and WC-SDS are useful markers for identifying children at cardiovascular risk, emphasizing the need for early intervention in pediatric obesity.