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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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American Kids' Blood Pressure Creeps Up

Obesity epidemic fallout foreshadows serious health troubles

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(Newser) – The ranks of US children with dangerously high blood pressure and hypertension have been growing for 20 years, reversing a decades-long trend, says a new study that tracks the effects of youth obesity. Hypertension, which usually doesn't develop until patients are in their 30s or 40s, is a leading cause of heart attack and stroke, the Washington Post reports.

More and more children are developing traditionally "adult" ailments such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol; a researcher calls the blood pressure findings "another piece of evidence suggesting that the obesity epidemic will likely turn into a heart disease epidemic." Less than 6% of American children were obese in 1963; by 2003, the figure had climbed to 17%.

Children's Medical Center employee Terry Wade, left, lines up others behind EmmaLee Duckworth, center, 5, to play in a game of kickball during a program at Children's Medical Center to help families with overweight children get healthier, Tuesday, March 6, 2007, in Dallas. The program is one of many across...
Children's Medical Center employee Terry Wade, left, lines up others behind EmmaLee Duckworth, center, 5, to play in a game of kickball during a program at Children's Medical Center to help families with...   (Associated Press)
P.J. Stokes bites into a deep-fried Reeses's at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007. All of the deep-fried goodies are being cooked in oil free of the trans fats linked to obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Indiana is the first state to make the switch...
P.J. Stokes bites into a deep-fried Reeses's at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007. All of the deep-fried goodies are being cooked in oil free of the trans fats linked to...   (Associated Press)
Students at Piedmont Elementary eat lunch at school Tuesday, May 1, 2007, in Charleston, W.Va. Many school administrators are sneaking nutrition into school lunches, in an effort to combat the nation's growing childhood obesity problem. Administrators are cutting fat and calories by supplementing hamburgers with soy and subbing applesauce...
Students at Piedmont Elementary eat lunch at school Tuesday, May 1, 2007, in Charleston, W.Va. Many school administrators are sneaking nutrition into school lunches, in an effort to combat the nation's...   (Associated Press)
Derek Sanderson, 14, left, and Eric Simmons, 17, participate in a yoga class during choice period at Camp Vanguard, a weight loss camp in Lake Wales, Florida, on July 8, 2005.
Derek Sanderson, 14, left, and Eric Simmons, 17, participate in a yoga class during choice period at Camp Vanguard, a weight loss camp in Lake Wales, Florida, on July 8, 2005.   (KRT Photos)
, children use fake foods as a learning tool during the Dean Foods LEAN Families program at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday, May 23, 2006.
, children use fake foods as a learning tool during the Dean Foods LEAN Families program at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday, May 23, 2006.   (KRT Photos)
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