The American Academy of Pediatrics this summer recommended that children 2-10 years of age be screened for cholesterol if they have a known family history of high cholesterol or premature vascular disease or even if their family history is unknown. The primary treatment is weight loss and exercise, but a multitude of cholesterol lowering drugs are an option as well. The drugs have a high potential for side effects in children, and statins are contraindicated in pregnancy. To me it makes more sense to insist that obese children get thoroughly counseled in diet and exercise, regardless of the lipid status. Testing the kids for lipids just adds pressure to use dangerous drugs, and even the AAP states that they do not want that to happen as a primary treatment.
See Pediatrics 2008; 122:198-208 or go to the American Association of Pediatrics (click here) web site.
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