Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between paediatric obesity and telomere length

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between paediatric obesity and telomere length.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search for original studies assessing the associations between obesity and telomere length in children. Fixed or random effects with inverse-variance meta-analysis were used to estimate the standardised mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) between overweight or obese and normal-weight children. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and meta-regression analyses were used to evaluate the potential source of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was further conducted by sex.

Results: A total of 11 studies were included. The meta-analysis showed that children who were overweight or obese had shorter telomere length than normal-weight children (SMD: -0.85; 95% CI: -1.42 to -0.28; p < 0.01). However, significant heterogeneity was present (I² = 97%; p < 0.01). Study design, methods used for measuring telomere length, tissue types, mean age, and percentage of boys were not the source of heterogeneity revealed by meta-regression analysis. The inverse trend was significant only in boys, but not in girls.

Conclusion: There was a negative association between paediatric obesity and telomere length. Weight control in children might have beneficial effect on telomere length.