V. Burke et al., ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY EDUCATION-PROGRAMS IN CHILDREN, Clinical and experimental pharmacology and physiology, 22(3), 1995, pp. 212-216
1. Studies in children relating blood lipids to the extent of atherosc
lerosis at post-mortem suggest a link between risk factors for cardiov
ascular disease in childhood and adult life, Tracking of blood pressur
e (BP) and cholesterol from childhood also supports this association,
However, prospective studies have not yet established the outcome in c
hildren with increased levels of risk factors. 2. In a controlled tria
l in Perth, Western Australia, involving over 1000 10-12 year old chil
dren, fitness was improved by physical activity programmes which were
associated with a greater fall in diastolic BP and triceps skinfolds i
n girls compared with controls, Sugar intake decreased in boys and fat
intake fell in girls, mainly affecting participants in home nutrition
programmes. 3. In higher risk children, identified by cluster analysi
s, major benefits were associated with the fitness and home nutrition
programmes. Physical activity combined with involvement of the family
in nutrition education is likely to be the most successful approach to
modifying lifestyle in children, including those with higher levels o
f risk. 4. Undernutrition by too rigid restriction of fat intake must
be avoided in young children who need calorie-dense foods, Undernutrit
ion, in itself, may predispose to cardiovascular disease in later life
, Programmes should aim to establish a prudent diet appropriate to the
age of the child combined with physical activity, As regular activity
and a healthy diet in adult life will reduce risks of cardiovascular
disease it is likely that childhood education will establish lifestyle
habits of potential long-term benefit.