Abstract:
Background: This cross-sectional case-control study aimed to explore the relationship between serum
magnesium levels and insulin resistance in children with overweight or obesity.
Methodology: At Shri B M Patil Medical College Hospital, this 1.5-year cross-sectional case-control
investigation investigated the association among levels of magnesium in the blood and insulin resistance
in children aged 5 to 16. Cases met the 2015 revised IAP growth charts for overweight or obesity, in
comparison to age-matched healthy controls. Exclusions included secondary causes of obesity and medical
complications affecting magnesium. Assessments involved clinical history, examination, and fasting blood
tests for insulin resistance indices. The study aimed for a total sample size of 110 participants, utilizing
G*Power software.
Results: Overweight children exhibited significantly lower mean serum magnesium levels compared to
controls (1.03 mEq/l vs. 1.85 mEq/l, p < 0.001). Anthropometric measures, including BMI and percentage
body fat, were significantly higher in cases. Metabolic markers, such as fasting insulin, HOMA, and lipid
profiles, also demonstrated substantial differences. Systolic blood pressure, while not significantly
different, displayed a trend towards elevation in overweight children.
Conclusion: This finding underscores the potential relevance of magnesium in the context of childhood
obesity and its metabolic consequences.
