Metabolomic Profiles of Overweight/Obesity Phenotypes During Adolescence: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Project Viva

Abstract

Characterize metabolomics profiles of four overweight/obese (OWOB) and metabolic risk (MetRisk) phenotypes among 524 adolescents age ~13 years. We created a four-level phenotype variable (non-OWOB & low MetRisk, non-OWOB & high MetRisk, OWOB & low MetRisk, OWOB & high MetRisk) using BMI percentile to define OWOB, and derived high vs. low MetRisk as the 4 th vs. 1 st –3 rd quartiles of a z-score calculated as the average of 5 externally-standardized z-scores for waist circumference, HOMA-IR, HDL, triglycerides, and SBP. We then examined associations of nine metabolite patterns derived from principal components analysis with phenotype after accounting for age, sex, race, and pubertal status. Five metabolite patterns differed with respect to phenotype: Factor 1 comprised long-chain fatty acids and was lower among non-OWOB & high MetRisk (−0.90 [95% CI: −1.39, −0.42]) vs. non-OWOB & low MetRisk (referent). Factors 5 (branched chain amino acids; BCAAs), 8 (diacylglycerols) and 9 (steroid hormones) were highest among OWOB & high MetRisk. Factor 7 (long-chain acylcarnitines) was higher among non-OWOB & high MetRisk (0.47 [0.04, 0.91]) and lower among OWOB & low MetRisk (−0.36 [−0.68, −0.04]). Long-chain fatty acids, BCAAs, acylcarnitines, diacylglycerols, and steroid hormones differed by weight status and metabolic phenotype.