Research Article: Investigation of the Seasonal Variation in Fat Patterning of Ellisras Rural Children and Adolescents, in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
Abstract:
An increase in childhood obesity has become a global concern since childhood obesity often leads to adulthood obesity. This study aimed to investigate whether there is seasonal variation in fat patterning, and whether fat patterning is associated with seasons among the Ellisras population aged 5–15 years. A total of 1986 children and adolescents (1034 boys and 952 girls) aged 5–15 enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Skinfold measurements were obtained using standard procedures. Obesity prevalence was determined using frequency analysis. The correlation between obesity and two seasons was tested using multinomial regression analysis. The results showed that girls aged 11–15 years had significantly (p ? 0.03) larger median fat variables (triceps, biceps, and suprailiac) in spring compared to autumn. The prevalence of obesity ranged from 3–11% with boys being more obese (4–11%) than girls (3–7%) aged 5–15. Regression analysis showed a negative significant (p ? 0.001) correlation between autumn and obesity by
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(SST) ratio, both unadjusted ?2.991 (95%CI ?3.233:?2.803) and adjusted ?2.897 (95% CI ?4.331:?1.629). The findings of the study showed that there was seasonal variation in fat patterning among boys and girls in the Ellisras population and that fat patterning is associated with seasons.
Introduction:
Fat patterning refers to the distribution of adipose tissue throughout the human body. Developed and developing countries are experiencing an increase in childhood obesity, which has emerged as a risk factor for non-communicable diseases [1]. Therefore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises the need to monitor obesity in different populations [2]. Globally, the prevalence of obese individuals among adolescents has significantly increased in the last 20 years [3]. The prevalence of obesity among African…
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