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.
