CV Risk for Obese Children Greater than Originally Thought

The risk of cardiovascular disease in school-aged children who are obese or overweight may be greater than previously thought, as researchers from Oxford University in England found that a body mass index (BMI) outside the normal range in these children, particularly in those who are obese, significantly worsens the risk. 

Researchers analyzed data from 63 cohort studies, including 49,220 children ages 5 years to 15 years, looking for associations between BMI and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. 

After grouping outcomes by obese, overweight, normal weight, or underweight, they found worsening risk parameters for cardiovascular disease among the overweight and obese groups. 

Systolic, diastolic, and ambulatory measures of blood pressure were significantly higher in overweight and obese participants, compared with normal weight children. 

In obese patients, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and fasting insulin and insulin resistance were significantly higher. Left ventricular mass and carotid intima media thickness were also increased in obese children, compared with normal weight children.

According to the researchers, "this review suggests that we may not fully appreciate the extent of the association between body mass index and cardiovascular disease risk in children ... This effect on risk parameters for cardiovascular disease is greatest in obese children and the implications for their future health may be greater than has been previously suggested.”

-Michael Potts