Chubby Kids Setup For Heart Risks

It turns out, belly fat, the scourge of middle age armchair quarterbacks, is no good for young kids.

Just like in adults, obesity and excessive body fat raises “bad” cholesterol in children, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Reporting in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, experts claim children with waists, more than 90% bigger than their peers, have higher levels of LDL cholesterol and lowers levels of HDL cholesterol, i.e. “good” cholesterol.

Scientists say this forecasts possible heart problems later life. Obesity contributes to things like type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

So measuring waist circumference in obese kids could help pinpoint children at greater risk of developing health problems.

And just like the guy pounding beers and chicken wings at the sports bar, experts insist the only way to lose weight is to eat right and exercise.

Via Reuters.

Image credit: South Park Studios.