We often associate high cholesterol and triglycerides in adults- middle aged, sedentary lifestyle and processed food, but recent data from India shows a moe alarming picture. Children as young as 9 years old are showing elevated triglyceride levels.
Why this is happening?
Diets that are heavy in refined carbohydrates, sedentary lifestyle, processed snacks and excessive screen time. The common misconception that âkids will burn it offâ is now outdated because they are more interested in youtube and video games.
What can we do?
incorporate lipid screening in school health programs and annual health check ups
counsel families on balanced nutrition and physical activity
food label awareness
If we treat rising childhood cholesterol as an emergency rather than a âgrown up problemâ we can help redirect an entire generation towards better heart health.
Have any of you come across children with elevated cholesterol levels?
A crucial and relevant issue itâs troubling how shifts in lifestyle and eating patterns are subtly impacting childrenâs heart health in India. Increasing awareness early can significantly impact the prevention of lifelong issues.
Thatâs true; lipid profile is hardly ever done. If implemented it can help prevent further worsening of health as the child goes into adolescence and adult life
We still imagine childhood as a buffer zone against âadult diseases,â but clearly lifestyle has fast-forwarded risks to much earlier ages.
I keep wondering if we can normalize dental check-ups in schools, why not lipid screenings too? Maybe early awareness can prevent the silent build-up we only notice years later.
Do you think parents are ready to accept cholesterol testing for kids as routine, or would it face resistance
Foods which can increase bad(LDL) cholesterol should be avoided.Saturated fat should make up no more than 8-10% of childâs overall fat intake. Trans fat should be avoided entirely.