Factors affecting carotid intima media thickness predicts early atherosclerosis in overweight and obese adolescents

Subclinical atherosclerosis determined by carotid IMT begins in overweight adolescents. Elevated leptin and Apo B levels are independent predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis. Leptin resistance, which is related to subclinical atherosclerosis, also begins in overweight adolescents. High Apo B levels, which promote development of atherosclerosis are more prominent in obese adolescents than other groups. For these reasons, all necessary precautions should be taken in overweight adolescents to prevent atherosclerosis as well as in obese adolescents.