Leptin and insulin levels in prepubertal obese children before and after an intensive educational program: preliminary data

The present study evaluated fasting levels of glucose, insulin and leptin in a group of prepubertal obese children before and after weight loss. We enrolled 64 prepubescent obese children and 20 normal-weight prepubescent children as controls. Fasting plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, Homeostasis Model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and leptin levels were measured at baseline and after a 6-month an intensive educational program (i.e. improved nutrition and increased physical activity). At baseline, obese children showed significantly (p<0.001) higher leptin levels than control subjects. Weight loss significantly (p<0.001) diminished plasma leptin and insulin concentrations. Weight loss in prepubescent children is associated with a significant change in leptin and insulin levels. These results confirm the hypothesis that these hormones are closely associated with obesity in childhood and might take part in glucose, fat and energy metabolism.