Correlation between Body Mass Index, Body Fat Proportion and Leptin Level in Obese Children

Obesity is a disorder of the nutritional status characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous tissue and / or other tissues as a result of energy imbalance. 1 Leptin, the most important anorexigenic hormone is secreted by the adipose tissue, acts directly on the satiety and hunger center localized in the anterior hypothalamus and arcuate nucleus. 2 Body mass index (BMI) is used to assess obesity and has variable values for different ages and sex. The aim of the study was to establish the correlation between the body mass index, percentage/amount of fat and the serum leptin level in overweight children. Material was represented by 126 children (the study group: 86 overweight children and the control group: 40 normal weight children), hospitalized during the last two years in the Medical Genetics Department of the Emergency Children Hospital Cluj-Napoca. Study methods included: anamnesis, clinical exam, anthropometric assessment (weight, height, BMI); body fat measurements by bio-impedance (OMRON); lipid profile, glucose, serum leptin. Results. Obesity in predominates in female (58.6%) versus male (41.4%). Body composition analysis showed a higher percentage of body fat in women. The serum leptin correlated with BMI, body fat percentage, sex and age. Conclusion. The high level of leptin in obese children contributes to early development of metabolic syndrome.