Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risks in Thai Children: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Analysis

Authors

• Nitiroj Bongkotwilawan, Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
• Nantika Paiboon, Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Therdpong Tempark, Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Orapa Suteerojntrakool, Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Chansuda Bongsebandhu-phubhakdi, Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, ThailandFollow

Abstract

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity are increasing globally, posing significant cardiometabolic risks. Despite extensive studies in developed countries, data on the prevalence and risk profiles of cardiometabolic abnormalities in children from Southeast Asia remain limited

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 270 Thai children aged 6–13 years, recruited from primary schools in Bangkok. Anthropometric measurements were performed to determine weight, height, and BMI. Blood pressure and fasting blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels. Participants were categorized into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups based on BMI standard deviation scores (SDS). Cardiometabolic abnormalities were defined according to established clinical guidelines.

Results: The prevalence of obesity was 21.9%, with 58.9% classified as normal weight and 19.3% as overweight. Cardiometabolic abnormalities, including elevated blood pressure (64.8%), low HDL-C (11.9%), high triglycerides (28.8%), and elevated SGPT (28.8%), were significantly more prevalent in obese participants (p < 0.001). Overweight children exhibited increased odds of dyslipidemia, with 38.5% showing high total cholesterol (TC) and 29.2% high LDL-C. Multivariate logistic regression revealed strong associations between obesity and elevated blood pressure (adjusted OR: 6.94, p < 0.001), HbA1c(adjusted OR: 18.59, p = 0.011), and low HDL- (adjusted OR: 24.08, p = 0.005).

Conclusions: Obese Thai children have a high prevalence of cardiometabolic abnormalities, and overweight children are also at increased risk. Early detection, routine screening, and community-based interventions are vital to preventing long-term complications

 Keywords: Obesity, Childhood, Cardiovascular Diseases, Dyslipidemias, Glycated Hemoglobin A, Risk Factors

Recommended Citation

Bongkotwilawan N, Paiboon N, Tempark T, Suteerojntrakool O, Bongsebandhu-phubhakdi C. Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risks in Thai Children: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Analysis. J Health Res. 2026; 40(1):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1196

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