Ten per cent of teens have metabolic syndrome
It’s really alarming to see the increasing number of American children growing up unhealthy.
Metabolic syndrome is a combination of disorders that increases the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Although it strikes at any age, in recent years, an increasing number of children and teens have shown symptoms that have traditionally been observed in adults. The latest survey in 2006 estimates 9.4 percent of teenagers are affected, 5 percent higher from 2003.
Says Dr. Stephen Cook, one of the original researchers who studied this in children:
“When you consider all the success we’ve had with lowering the death rate from heart disease for middle aged and older adults, it’s really disheartening to see actual data showing heart disease going up in young adults.”
What are the symptoms to look for?
- a waist circumference at or above the 90th percentile for age and sex;
- blood pressure at or above the 90th percentile;
- a high triglyceride level at or above 10 mg/dL;
- a low HDL cholesterol level at or above 40 mg/dL;
- and an impaired glucose metabolism at or above 100 mg/dL).
And as you can see, the factors above can be prevented and controlled by a healthier lifestyle.
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POSTED IN: Diseases and Medical Conditions, Teen Health
1 opinion for Ten per cent of teens have metabolic syndrome
Kristen King
Jan 31, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Dollars to donuts, it’s because of soda consumption. And possibly donuts. :)
Kristen
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