1-in-5 children has abnormal lipid levels
One in five American children now has abnormal lipid levels - problems
with cholesterol or triglycerides that are usually seen in older
adults. Experts blame widespread childhood obesity and warn that the
nation's kids are facing increased risks for heart disease and diabetes.
One in three American children is either overweight or obese, according
to the latest statistics, and the excess weight is triggering HEALTH
problems that were previously reserved for adults.
A new
report from the CDC finds that 20% of American adolescents have at
least one problem with their blood fats such as cholesterol and
triglycerides.
More than 7 percent of kids had HIGH levels of bad cholesterol or LOW levels of good cholesterol
, and 10 percent had high triglycerides - all of which are RISK FACTORS for heart disease.
The study found a clear link between obesity and lipid problems in
children - 14% of normal weight kids showed abnormal lipid levels
compared to 43% of obese kids.
The American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends cholesterol tests for overweight children to
detect problems before heart disease begins.
Doctors typically
recommend diet and exercise to kids with abnormal blood fat levels, but
in extreme cases, the American Heart Association says children as young
as eight years old can be treated with statin drugs to lower
cholesterol.
posted by: IAH,on Jan 27, 10:53
Source: NewsChannel 9 WSYR
URL:
http://www.9wsyr.com/content/family_healthcast/story/1-in-5-children-has-abnormal-lipid-levels/L9PyoUkaHEWWytmHHiR59g.cspx