Hyperlipidemia in children and adolescents is a significant cardiovascular risk factor. Childhood obesity has been associated with elevated serum levels of cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TRG) and low density lipoproteins(LDL).

We studied 29 girls and 21 boys enrolled in a multi-disciplinary weight reduction program. Both groups were matched for age and degree of obesity. Subjects were placed on a very low calorie/high protein diet (protein sparing modified fast (PSMF)), a moderate-intensity progressive exercise program(MPEP), and behavior modification (BEM) sessions for 10 weeks.

Measures were taken at baseline and 10 weeks. Significant changes in percent of ideal body weight (%IBW) were observed. In conjunction with these anthropometric changes, TC and TRG significantly decreased in both groups. In addition, LDL decreased significantly in females while no significant change could be observed in the overweight male children: Table We conclude that a multi-disciplinary weight reduction program including PSMF, MPEP, and BEM is an effective instrument for lowering total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in obese children. In addition, LDL levels decrease significantly in the female population.

Table 1
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