In 1997,
the World Health Organization (WHO) formally recognized obesity as a global epidemic [1]; not limited to just one age group or country [2].
Obesity is defined as excess body fat and not only excess weight [3].
Its prevalence has increased in all age groups.
Childhood obesity,
the most common pediatric disease [3],
has also become a major public health problem in recent decades,
and the main risk factor for obesity in adulthood [3].
It is an important risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic changes [2-6].
Morbidity,
mortality,
as well as metabolic changes in the obese,
are more related to the amount of visceral adipose tissue than to total body fat [7].
Fig. 2
The actions related to Obesity in the childhood are able to effectively ensure a healthier lifestyle.
Anthropometry does not differentiate between subcutaneous and visceral fats.
Ultrasonography differentiates fats.
Fig. 2
There are few studies in the world literature citing the cut-off points.
Kawamoto et al.
(2007) [8]:
- visceral fat
- studied the cut-off point for high risk of visceral obesity,
allowing early intervention in adults
Eifler (2013) [7]:
- subcutaneous and visceral fat
- studied the cut-off points for simple hepatic steatosis and risk of steatohepatitis in adults
Jung et al.
(2016) [9]:
- subcutaneous and visceral fat
- studied the cut points for risk of NAFLD and insulin resistance
- obese children and adolescents
Thus,
it is necessary to set the cut-off points of normality for abdominal fat thicknesses in children.