Body fat related to daily physical activity and insulin concentrations in non-diabetic children

Clin Physiol Funct Imaging. 2008 Jul;28(4):211-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-097X.2007.00787.x. Epub 2008 Jul 1.

Abstract

This study explored the associations between body fat versus daily physical activity and insulin concentrations in non-diabetic young children in a cross-sectional study of 172 children (93 boys and 79 girls) aged 8-11 years. Blood samples were analysed for serum insulin and daily physical activity was measured by accelerometers. Time spent performing vigorous activity was estimated from accelerometer data by using established cut-off points. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to quantify abdominal fat mass (AFM) and total body fat (TBF), also calculated as percentage of body weight (BF%). Body fat distribution was calculated as AFM/TBF. Body fat distribution was independently linked to both insulin concentrations and physical activity. In contrast, TBF, AFM, and BF% were linked to physical activity only and not to insulin concentrations. In conclusion in this population of non-diabetic children, body fat distribution was independently associated with increased concentrations of insulin and deceased amount of vigorous activity per day. Also, AFM, TBF, and BF% were independently related to minutes of vigorous activity per day.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Fat / diagnostic imaging
  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adipose Tissue* / diagnostic imaging
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Composition*
  • Body Fat Distribution*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood*
  • Male
  • Regression Analysis

Substances

  • Insulin