Rx for obese children

The level of cholesterol in America's children is becoming as serious as a heart attack - literally. Confirmation came when the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended this month that cholesterol-reducing drugs be considered for children as young as 8. It is a logical domino effect in a nation where adult obesity has doubled in the last three decades, and the percentage of overweight children has nearly tripled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is well known that obesity increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and certain cancers. Now it appears that children's arteries are so thoroughly clogged that medications, known as statins, may be a necessary part of treatment.

The recommendation is controversial among pediatricians, since it is not clear what effect the drug use will have at such a young age. But no pharmaceutical solution should take the place of healthy eating and exercise.

Alarm over America's low level of physical activity has resulted in some positive developments, as some school systems have improved cafeteria nutrition. But there have been only minuscule gains in regular exercise, with still less than half of Americans reporting regular physical activity. According to government statistics, only 2 percent of high schools have daily physical education. Giving children drugs for cholesterol is not even 1 percent of the solution.

Does Viagra give athletes an advantage?

More from sports:

• A good tennis year for traveling Spaniards
• Favre shows Titans what they lack
• Downturn brings World Cup worries

Blogs: Passages

Search

Subscriptions
Sign Up  |  Manage