Differences in male and female adolescents from various racial groups in the relationship between insulin resistance-associated parameters with sugar-sweetened beverage intake and physical activity levels.

OBJECTIVE

To describe racial and gender differences in insulin resistance-associated parameters due to sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and physical activity (PA) levels in the adolescent population.

METHODS

Data from individuals aged 12 to 19 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during the years 1999-2004 were analyzed. SSB intake and PA levels were evaluated in Non-Hispanic whites, Non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans. Outcome measures included measurements of insulin sensitivity, lipids, blood pressure, waist circumference, and body mass index.

RESULTS

Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that anthropometric measurements, metabolic parameters, and indices of insulin resistance differed among the racial groups. Moreover, within each of these racial groups, they differed between the sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

The differing relationships between insulin resistance-associated parameters and SSB intake and PA levels among racial groups and between the sexes illustrate the importance of race and gender in the investigation of diseases such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.