Children who are categorized as obese may develop atherosclerosis, the stiffening of blood vessels that leads to clots, according to findings presented at the 31st Annual Society of Behavioral Medicine meeting.
A team of researchers led by Catherine L. Davis, a clinical health psychologist at the Georgia Prevention Institute, measured the body mass index in a group of children. Those who had a greater index were more likely to develop stiff central arteries than those in the same age group who were considered leaner and healthier.
In addition, the team conducted a second study that enrolled children aged 8 to 11 years, and had half of the group play jump rope and basketball everyday after school. The other group was asked to do sedentary activities, such as board games or crafts. Through this study, the researchers hope to better understand how physical activity effects preventing atherosclerosis.
Davis said that atherosclerosis is “essentially another aspect of the metabolic imbalance these children are experiencing when theyre overweight and inactive.”
Its estimated that 17 percent of people aged 2-19 are considered obese, according to the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.