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Intervention programs limit childhood obesity-related heart risk

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

As the obesity epidemic continues to rage in this country, children are increasingly falling victim to the problem. Doctors are reporting many unhealthy cholesterol test results in young people. However, intervention programs that teach children healthy lifestyle habits may have a major impact on their future cardiovascular health and help them to lose excess weight.

A recent study from researchers at the University of Michigan showed that these types of programs have real benefits.

After enrolling children from 14 Michigan middle schools into a four-year education program that taught them to eat more fruits and vegetables, eat less fatty foods, drink healthier beverages, exercise more and watch less TV, the team noted strong results, according to Medpage Today.

The researchers reported that total cholesterol levels dropped by nearly 20 mg/dl. Additionally, LDL, or bad, cholesterol levels declined even further, indicating a strong improvement in heart heatlh.

The program was intended to incorporate fun activities that got young people engaged in their own health, the researchers told the news source.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the obesity rate among children has tripled in the past 30 years, and currently stands at just below 20 percent.