Abstract
BACKGROUND: Significant linear trends indicate that rising adolescent obesity rates will increase the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated health risks. We aimed to initially determine the prevalence of MetS among adolescents (aged 13-16 yr) with obesity in the South Al Batinah governorate in Oman (n=3404) based on data collected in 2024. Then to predict the risk factors of MetS criteria based on health-related fitness (HRF) components to identify the most significant risk factors among them (n= 512, with BMIile% ≥95%). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the MetS prevalence. MetS criteria and HRF components were measured to examine key risk factors. Then, the predictive value of HRF variables for MetS incidence was assessed using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The descriptive results from screening adolescents with obesity indicated that 10.7% of them exhibited MetS. A notable correlation between fast blood glucose (FBG) and cardiorespiratory fitness; CRF (r=0.28, P=0.001), waist circumference; WC (r=0.39, P<0.0001), and BMI (r=0.46, P<0.0001) were revealed. There was a robust correlation between blood pressure; BP and CRF (r=0.19, P=0.025), WC (r=0.24, P=0.007), and BMI (r=0.43, P<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant model for the high FBG prediction using the HRF variables, while the models predicted for BP were not significant. CONCLUSION: Significant correlation between HRF level and MetS criteria revealed that field-based tests HRF components, can be used to recognize MetS criteria among adolescents with obesity.