Cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with different levels of energy expenditure.

BACKGROUND Physical inactivity in adolescence is related to body fat accumulation, which apparently can increase the probability of onset and development of metabolic changes. OBJECTIVE To verify the predisposition to cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with different levels of energy expenditure. METHODS A total of 108 young men and 132 young women aged between 12 and 16 years were selected. Daily energy expenditure was obtained using the questionnaire proposed by Bouchard et al. The sample was previously divided according to the quartiles of energy expenditure (Kcal/kg/day) into three groups: sedentary (SG), moderately active (MG), and active (AG). The enzyme-colorimetric method was used to determine the total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, and triglycerides (TG) levels. LDL-C was calculated using the Friedewald et al's formula. The one-factor analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis, considering p<0.05. RESULTS For the male gender, significant differences were found between the groups for the TC variable (mg/dl); AG (121.56+/-19.15) was different from MG (142.70+/-27.65) and from SG (145.63+/-36.54). Likewise, MG was different from SG (F=3.70 and p=0.03). For the TG variable (mg/dl), AG (65.69+/-18.95) was different from MG (82.25+/-33.73) and from SG (97.44+/-45.95). Also, MG was different from SG (F=3.40 and p=0.04). For the female gender, no significant differences were found in relation to daily energy expenditure. CONCLUSION More active young men show lower TC and TG levels in comparison with their moderately active and sedentary peers.