Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risks in Thai Children: A Comprehensive Cross-sectional Analysis
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
08574421
eISSN
2586940X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105039320105
Journal Title
Journal of Health Research
Volume
40
Issue
1
Start Page
182
End Page
191
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Health Research Vol.40 No.1 (2026) , 182-191
Suggested Citation
Bongkotwilawan N., Paiboon N., Tempark T., Suteerojntrakool O., Bongsebandhu-phubhakdi C. Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risks in Thai Children: A Comprehensive Cross-sectional Analysis. Journal of Health Research Vol.40 No.1 (2026) , 182-191. 191. doi:10.56808/2586-940X.1196 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116843
Title
Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risks in Thai Children: A Comprehensive Cross-sectional Analysis
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
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.