Cardiovascular performance in Egyptian obese children and adolescents

Overweight and obesity during childhood and adolescence have been identified as a major health problem. In Egypt, increasing rates of obesity in children and adolescents are an emerging concern and have a great impact on the healthcare system. The aim of the study was to compare between nonobese and obese children and adolescents with respect to maximum oxygen consumption, resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure (MAP). A total of 360 children and adolescents, aged 7–18 years (the children were aged 7–12 years and adolescents were aged >12–18 years), participated in this study. BMI was computed for all participants to categorize them into two groups: the nonobese group, which included normal-weight participants, and the obese group, which included overweight and obese participants. One-mile endurance run test was completed by all participants. Maximal oxygen consumption was predicted using a specific equation. Heart rate, systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and MAP were assessed at rest. Age differences were investigated in both groups. Significant differences in all measured variables were found between nonobese and obese groups ( P <0.05). There was significant interaction effect between group and age on all measured variables ( P <0.05). Childhood and adolescence obesity affects cardiovascular performance. It decreases aerobic fitness and increases resting BP, heart rate, pulse pressure, and MAP. Adolescents are affected more than children.