Obese children may have abnormalities of lipoproteins

Childhood obesity may lead to abnormalities in lipoproteins and may lead to cardiovascular problems in children.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are good cholesterols that are good for the body, while low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are bad cholesterols and these should not be allowed to accumulate as it increases the cardiovascular risks by clogging the arteries.

Lipid abnormalities are a part of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is linked to insulin resistance that can lead to increased risk of coronary heart diseases, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases and diabetes type 2.

In a current study, children who are overweight and obese have been shown to have abnormalities of the lipoproteins. Low levels of HDL are found in 46% of the white obese children and 29% of the black obese children under study. 62% of the obese white children and 31% of the obese black children had high levels of LDL in their blood. A lipid profile with high number of small dense LDL, a condition called LDL pattern B, was found in 45% of white and 19% of black obese children. Obese white children also showed higher tendencies of having dyslipidemia than black children o the same category.