Cureus. 2026 Sep 21;18(9):e116684. doi: 10.7759/cureus.116684. eCollection 2026 Sep.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a growing public health challenge and is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiometabolic abnormalities that predispose to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Data on the prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome among Indian children, particularly in underserved regions, remain limited.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence and predictors of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese children attending a tertiary care hospital in Jharkhand, India.
METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2024 and March 2025 among 250 overweight and obese children aged 5-15 years at AIIMS Deoghar. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and fasting biochemical parameters (glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol) were assessed. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) criteria. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression to determine independent predictors.
RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 38% (n=95; 95% CI: 31.9-44.1). Significant risk factors included family history of obesity (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.22-2.48), excess junk food intake (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18-2.11), abnormal developmental history (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.39-3.08), low physical activity (<1 hour/day; OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.07-2.59), screen time >2 hours/day (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.01-2.07), and birth weight <2.5 kg (adjusted OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.09-1.88). Protective factors included exclusive breastfeeding for six months (p<0.001). No significant association was observed with gender or parental education.
CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among overweight and obese children in Jharkhand, with both lifestyle-related (diet, physical activity, and screen time) and perinatal (low birth weight and maternal diabetes/hypertension) factors contributing. Early interventions targeting modifiable risk factors through lifestyle modification and health education are essential to reduce long-term cardiometabolic risks in this population.
PMID:42923918 | PMC:PMC13688278 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.116684