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| 1 out of 5 teens has high cholesterol |
| Rob Stein/Washington Post |
| 1/21/2010 |
| WASHINGTON — At least one of every five U.S. teenagers has abnormal cholesterol levels, boosting the risk of heart disease, federal health officials reported Thursday. A national survey of blood-cholesterol levels in U.S. teenagers found that more than 20 percent of those 12 to 19 had at least one abnormal blood-fat level and the rate jumped to 43 percent among those adolescents who are obese. The findings provide new evidence illustrating the health threat posed by the nation's obesity epidemic. Although the latest government data suggest the epidemic might be leveling off, at least one-third of young people are overweight or obese and the heaviest boys continue to get heavier. Previous studies have found that the obesity epidemic has been accompanied by an increase in a variety of health problems in youngsters once found only in adults, including high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. For complete article go to: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010857509_teenblood22.html?syndication=rss |
| Additional Information: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010857509_teenblood22.html?syndication=rss |