Report: One in five American youths has abnormal lipid levels

Twenty percent of Americans aged 12 to 19 years have at least one abnormal lipid level, and 32% of these young people would be good candidates for lipid screening based on current guidelines, according to a study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Researchers analyzed a study sample of 3,125 youths who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Serum levels of HDL, LDL and triglycerides were analyzed.

Using data for 1999 to 2006, the researchers found that overweight (22%) or obese youths (43%) were more likely to have one or more abnormal lipid levels compared with normal-weight youths (14%).

Based on BMI criteria, 32% of youths were determined to be candidates for lipid screening, and 22.3% of overweight and 42.9% of obese youths were determined to be candidates for therapeutic lifestyle counseling.

The researchers found that differences in lipid levels were associated with sex, age and race/ethnicity. Additional findings included:

More boys (24%) had at least one abnormal lipid level vs. girls (16%).
Youths aged 14 to 15 (9%) and 18 to 19 (10%) were more likely to have low HDL vs. youths aged 12 to 13 (5%).
Non-white Hispanic youths were more likely to have low HDL (8%) and elevated triglycerides (12%) vs. non-Hispanic black youths (5% low HDL; 4% elevated triglycerides).

“Based on the findings in this study, clinicians should be aware of lipid screening guidelines and recommended interventions for children and youths who are overweight or obese,” the researchers wrote in the report. “Surveillance data regarding youth obesity levels, lipid screening practices and trends in cardiovascular disease risk factors can aid public health practitioners in implementing population-based lifestyle programs and anticipating future screening needs and eligibility criteria.”

Bibbins-Domingo K. MMWR. 2010;59:29-33.