Results of a recent study found that among children and young adults with a BMI at the 85th percentile or higher, cardiometabolic risk factors including low HDL-C, high systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and high triglyceride and glycated hemoglobin levels increased with the severity of obesity. Commenting on the study, CMHC faculty member Caroline Apovian, MD pointed out the prevalence of severe obesity in children between 2 and 19 years of age has increased at an alarming rate, from 4% to 6% for the block of years from 1999 to 2004 and 2011 to 2012. However, she said, educating the young, even those as young as preschool age, is key in combating obesity and promoting wellness, citing the Si! Program in Madrid, Spain as a successful example.
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