NONGENETIC INFLUENCES OF OBESITY ON RISK-FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE DURING 2 PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT

Matched-pair analyses of twins were used to examine nongenetic influen ces of obesity on the lipid profile and systolic and diastolic blood p ressure (cross-sectionally) during two phases of development - the sch ool-age years (n = 73 twin pairs) and adolescence (n = 56 twin pairs) - and (longitudinally) in the transition between these two development al phases. Data were collected during an early morning home visit. Res ults of the matched-pair t tests indicated significant environmental i nfluences on obesity in both Phases and in the transition (change in o besity) between these two phases. Intraindividual associations of obes ity (kg/m(3)) and atherogenic lipids (total and LDL cholesterol) emerg ed during the school-age years. In adolescence, obesity was associated with HDL cholesterol and total triglyceride. Change in obesity (kg/m( 3)) from the school-age years to adolescence was associated with total triglyceride. Results suggest an emphasis on obesity as part of CVD r isk factor management in children and point to the importance of prima ry prevention early in life.