A preliminary study of hyperlipidemia in Bangkok school children

Abstract

As a preliminary study, we determined the serum lipid profiles among primary school children from four Bangkok schools and identified the risk factors and their association with child lipid profiles. We conducted a cross-sectional study using fasting blood samples and food frequency questionnaires. Overall, there were 40% that had hypercholesterolemia with total cholesterol (TC) at > or = 200 mg/dl and high low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at > or = 130 mg/dl. Overall, 5.4% had high triglyceride (TG) levels at > or = 150 mg/dl. There was no association between lipid profiles and age, gender or nutritional status, except that higher TG levels were found among obese children than others (p < 0.001). The most popular high fat foods were fried chicken, sausages and cakes, in order of preference. Results from this study indicate that Bangkok public primary school children are facing a problem with hyperlipidemia. Build up discipline in healthy eating habits, healthy food choices and physical exercise should pave the way to healthy Thai kids and growing adults with better quality of life.

The association between obesity and blood pressure in Thai public school children

“…The high prevalence of overweight/obesity among school-aged children in this study might be due to less physical activity and higher consumption of more unhealthy, high-fat foods, sweetened beverages and salty snacks and less milk, fruits and vegetables than recommended [2,3,26]. Various studies have shown that dietary intake, physical activity and self-discipline are major factors influencing obesity and high blood pressure [1-3,27].…”

“…Various studies have shown that dietary intake, physical activity and self-discipline are major factors influencing obesity and high blood pressure [1-3,27]. …”

“…In a previous study [3] it was reported that a high intake of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids originated from popular diets such as fried chicken, sausages and cakes that are high in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol that influence TC and LDL-C levels. In addition to fats, favorite snacks tend to be high also in carbohydrates and salt.…”

“…These findings suggest that obese children are at higher risk of having high blood pressure than normal children. Therefore, obese children should be routinely screened for blood pressure and other coexisting cardiovascular risk factors including lipid profile [3,33]. In addition, healthy lifestyles should be encouraged by schools and at home since prevention in childhood can help to avoid undesirable health consequences in the future [2,4].…”

Self discipline and obesity in Bangkok school children

“…Long-term health consequences of obesity include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, certain forms of cancer, as well as respiratory and skin problems [6,7]. Obesity in school children was influenced by society, economic conditions, environmental changes, the family's eating habits and child rearing practices[8], leading to unhealthy eating behavior [7] and a sedentary life style characterized by increased television viewing and a lack of physical exercise [9]. It has been reported that poor self-control and low self-discipline are the most important for eating in response to external food stimuli [10,11] leading to obesity.…”