Association between physical activity, adiposity, and lipid abnormalities in children with familial hyperlipidemia

The benefits of physical activity in children have been studied extensively; however, its role in children with familial hyperlipidemia (FH) is unknown.

To determine associations between physical activity, adiposity, and lipid profiles in children with FH.

A physical activity questionnaire was completed by 147 children with FH. Correlations between activity levels, body mass index (BMI), and fasting lipid profiles were determined.

The mean age of patients was 12.5+/-3.2 years with a mean total cholesterol of 6.17 mmol/l (238 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol of 4.43 (171), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol of 1.08 (42), and triglyceride levels of 1.51 (134). Patients had greater weight for height indices than normal, with a mean BMI z score of +0.90+/-1.30 SD (P<0.001 versus normal), and with 21% of the participants being more than 2 SD above normal. Higher BMI z scores significantly correlated with higher triglyceride levels (r=0.33; P<0.0001) and greater time spent in sedentary pursuits (r=0.24; P=0.004), in particular watching television (r=0.26; P=0.003). The increased time that other family members spent in physical activity significantly correlated with a lower BMI z score (r=-0.21; P=0.01) of the patient and greater time spent in physical activity (r=0.24; P=0.003). There was no association between patients' physical activity levels and lipid profile or BMI.

Similar to the general population, children with FH are also at risk of becoming overweight. Increased adiposity significantly correlated with the greater sedentary activities of the patient, lower physical activities of the family, and higher triglyceride levels. Physical activity levels of the patient correlated with family activity levels.