High free leptin index as the risk factor for childhood obesity in Indonesia: A case–control study

Abstract

SummaryIdentifying the risk factors is critical in preventing childhood obesity. Leptin concentration is elevated in obesity. High serum leptin levels are believed to reduce soluble leptin receptor (sOB‐R) concentrations and are associated with leptin resistance. The free leptin index (FLI) is a biomarker of leptin resistance and the status of leptin action. This study aims to investigate the association between leptin, sOB‐R, and FLI with measurements to diagnose obesity in children, such as BMI, waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). We conducted a case–control study in 10 elementary schools in Medan, Indonesia. The case group was children with obesity, while the control group was children with normal BMI. Leptin and sOB‐R levels were measured from all the subjects using the ELISA method. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine which factors were predictor variables of obesity. A total of 202 children between 6 and 12 years old were recruited for this study. Children with obesity showed significantly higher leptin levels and FLI and lower SOB‐R levels FLI (p < .05) than control. The cut‐off for WHtR in this study was 0.499 (sensitivity 90% and specificity 92.5%). Children with higher leptin levels had a higher risk of obesity based on BMI, waist circumference, and WHtR values.