HHS HealthBeat (November 06, 2007)

The early bounce-back

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Being at a healthy weight needs to start young. Researchers say it could start after youngsters lose their baby fat, which happens between 4 and 7 years of age.

Tom Kimball of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center checked kids for signs of risk factors for heart disease, such as higher blood pressure and insulin levels, and changes in the heart itself.

Kimball found signs in the youngest kids to start weight bounce-back after the loss of baby fat:

``These children, at such an early age – at 7 years of age – already have changes in their cardiovascular system that are associated with cardiovascular disease.’’ (9 seconds)

Kimball recommends parents start early to keep their kids’ lifestyles healthy.

Kimball’s study, which was supported by the National Institutes of Health, was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2007.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May, 26 2008