Is your child at risk for a heart attack? A recent study at the University of North Carolina showed that one in eight of the children studied had three or more risk factors for metabolic syndrome, a precursor to cardiovascular disease.

Metabolic Syndrome is the medical name for a group of risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes. Such factors include excess weight, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low levels of “good” cholesterol, glucose intolerance and elevated insulin levels. According to the American Heart Association, people with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Researchers at the UNC Center for Research on Chronic illness examined these factors in a group of 2,034 boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17. The results were shocking – and alarming.

Researchers found high levels of insulin in 16.1 percent of the children. High blood pressure was found in 7.7 percent, 8.6 percent had high triglycerides, and 42.2 percent had low levels of good cholesterol. Researchers, led by Joanne S. Harrell, Ph.D., point out that if there is no intervention, many of those children will go on to develop Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers said most of the risk factors are attributed to obesity. With one in four of the children studied suffering from overweight, that isn’t a warning to be taken lightly. Researchers also said that kids with multiple risk factors are at a much higher risk of disease later in life.

According to the study, 8.3 percent of children aged 8 to 9 already had 3 or more risk factors. Children 10 to 13 had the highest rate of risk factors at 16.2 percent, while 11 percent of teens aged 14 to 17 had three or more risk factors. Girls were found to be at a higher risk then boys.

Some blame parents for their lack of nutritional guidance, while others blame the advertising and fast food industries. Whether it is one or the other, or both, the fact remains that something needs to be done about the rising tide of childhood obesity and overweight. 

According to Harrell, preventing obesity goes furthest toward preventing metabolic syndrome. Of course, the methods to avoiding obesity and overweight are the same they have always been – exercise and healthy eating. Experts like Harrell urge parents and other role models to set a good example by getting kids away from the television, keeping them from eating excess junk foods, and modeling healthy eating and exercise.

Whether parent or child, this may seem like a tall order. Don’t worry. Positive Changes Hypnosis can help! Call 1-877-POSITIVE to schedule your FREE weight loss consultation. Don’t live another day putting your health at risk. Call now!

This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. As always, check with a doctor before starting any treatment program. For more information on using guided relaxation and creative visualization to aid healing and enhance your quality of life, call Positive Changes at 1-877-POSITIVE.