Association of Gender, Triglyceride/HDL Ratio, and Physical Activity of Obese Adolescents in Makassar

BACKGROUND: Obesity may cause the increase of triglyceride and decrease of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Triglyceride/HDL ratio is associated with metabolic disorders. Physical activity is one of the important aspects in preventing obesity. Gender is known to have a relationship with these factors, but it has been inconsistent. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sex and triglycerides, levels of HDL, triglycerides/HDL ratio, and physical activity of obese adolescents in Makassar. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design involving 93 samples of obese adolescents from three high schools. Measurement of triglyceride and HDL levels was performed by the Prodia laboratory, while physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questioner. Data analysis was performed with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. RESULTS: The results showed that there is a relationship between gender and triglyceride levels (p = 0.006) and HDL (p = 0.034), but no relationship between the ratio of TG/HDL (p = 0.109) and physical activity was found (p = 0.339). CONCLUSION: Efforts should be made to reduce the level of risk adolescent obesity on the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, including increase physical activity. Physical activity is important to maintain the physical and mental of obese adolescents.