NEWS
RELEASE
June 1, 2005
For immediate release
METABOLIC SYNDROME FOUND PREVALENT IN
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL CHILDREN
NASHVILLE, Tenn.–- The metabolic syndrome, a dangerous cluster
of risk factors previously seen in adults and adolescents, is now
appearing
in elementary school-aged children. The findings, presented today at
the
52nd American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting in
Nashville,
are the first to emerge from a three-year physical activity
intervention
and study to determine the prevalence of the condition in young
children.
The metabolic syndrome has become a prevalent condition in North
America,
affecting nearly a quarter of U.S. men and women. An individual with
the
metabolic syndrome has three or more of the following factors: high
blood
pressure, high blood glucose, high plasma triglycerides, low HDL
cholesterol,
and high waist circumference. The metabolic syndrome is considered a
precursor
for Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and premature
mortality.
Three hundred seventy-five second- and third-grade boys and girls
were
assessed to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its
related components in this age group. Researchers developed metabolic
syndrome screening protocol for the children, defined as the presence
of three or more of the following components: 1) central obesity (high
waist circumference); 2) elevated triglyceride concentrations; 3) low
HDL (good) cholesterol; 4) elevated blood pressure; or 5) elevated
fasting
glucose levels.
Five percent of both boys and girls were identified as having the
metabolic
syndrome. Half of the children had no components, and 45 percent had
one
or two components, with elevated blood pressure being the most common.
Although the prevalence is low in this population, researchers say the
results show the need for early prevention since components of the
metabolic
syndrome track into adulthood.
“The prevalence of metabolic syndrome dramatically increased among
children who were overweight, with one in five overweight children
having
the condition,” said Katrina D. DuBose, Ph.D., lead author. “To
help manage this, children need to participate in more physical
activity
and choose healthier foods to eat. Parents and teachers can help by
encouraging
children to be more active both inside and outside of school.“
Previous studies have indicated physical activity is an effective
way
to lower some of the risk factors common in metabolic syndrome. In one
study of more than 600 adults classified as having the metabolic
syndrome,
nearly a third resolved their symptoms after exercise training.
ACSM's 52nd Annual Meeting is going on now at the Gaylord Opryland
Resort
and Convention Center. For more information on the event, or to speak
with ACSM Communications and Public Information staff, please call
(615)
458-0996.
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports
medicine
and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000
international,
national, and regional members are dedicated to promoting and
integrating
scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports
medicine
and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance,
fitness,
health, and quality of life.
-30-
NOTE: The conclusions outlined in this news release are those
of
the researchers only, and should not be construed as an official
statement
of the American College of Sports Medicine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: ACSM’s 52nd Annual Meeting takes place
June 1-4, 2005. After June x, please call the ACSM Communications and
Public Information office at (317) 637-9200 ext. 117 or 127.
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