Effect of physical activity levels on blood lipids, insulin resistance, and adipokines in children with obesity

[Purpose] Our study was performed to observe children with obesity by using accelerometers and identify their differences in blood lipid levels, insulin resistance, and adipokines based on their physical activity levels. [Methods] 197 obese children were classified into three groups based on their physical activity levels over a period of 7 days, using the average counts per minute: Sedentary Time (ST), Light Physical Activity (LPA), and Moderate to Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity (MVPA). Blood lipids, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were analyzed. Insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) formula. Adipokines, including leptin and resistin, were measured. Our results were obtained through one-way analysis of variance was employed, with Scheffe post-hoc analysis. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. [Results] Results showed that the levels of blood lipids (TG: p<0.001, TC: p<0.01, LDL-C: p<0.001, HDL-C: p< 0.05) and adipokines (Leptin, Resistin: p<0.01) of children who had obesity and maintained moderate to vigorous physical activity were healthier than those who engaged in ST or LPA. Specifically, children with obesity engaging in MVPA demonstrated blood lipid and adipokine levels that were normal or close to normal. However, no significant differences in insulin resistance were observed in all groups. [Conclusion] In summary, encouraging moderate to vigorous physical activity in children with obesity could help improve obesity indicators, such as blood lipids and adipokines.