Markers of metabolic health in children differ between weekdays--the result of unhealthier weekend behavior.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether indicators of metabolic health fluctuate during the week in a group of children posing unhealthier physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep during weekends compared to weekdays.

METHODS

A total of 807 eight- to eleven-year-old children had valid metabolic health markers from one, two, or three measurements contributing 2190 to 2240 observations of metabolic health markers. The weekly variation was tested using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR), triglycerides, leptin (all P < 0.001), and adiponectin (P = 0.03) decreased from Monday to Friday, whereas ghrelin increased (P < 0.001). HOMAIR , triglycerides, and leptin were 35%, 28%, and 33% higher on Mondays compared to Fridays, respectively, and ghrelin was 7% lower on Mondays compared to Fridays (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The large weekly variation in HOMAIR , triglycerides, and leptin was likely the result of unhealthier behaviors during weekends. These findings have public health relevance and raise methodological issues that should ideally be taken into account in future studies.