Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The worrying thing about the health of children in Jammu and Kashmir is that more than 50 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 9 have high levels of triglycerides in their blood.
According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s report Children in India 2025, 2.50 percent of children of this age in Jammu and Kashmir have high triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are stored fat in the body that is used for energy.
Doctors said that triglycerides at normal levels are part of a healthy metabolism, but abnormally high levels indicate an imbalance in the body’s fat metabolism.
Pediatrician Dr. Shahid Ahmed Bhat warned that children with high triglycerides are more likely to develop obesity, insulin resistance and early signs of heart disease later in life.
He said that high triglyceride levels do not show immediate symptoms, but if left untreated, fatty deposits can quickly accumulate in the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke in adulthood. Other potential problems include obesity, type 2 diabetes, pancreatitis and other diseases.
According to doctors, children are not immune to lifestyle-related diseases as modern diets and sedentary habits are accelerating the risks of health problems seen in adults. The reasons for high triglycerides in children include high sugar and fried foods, excessive screen time, low physical activity, genetic predisposition, obesity and overweight.
Dr. Murtaza Khan advised parents to promote the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins and reduce sugar, chips, fried foods, refined carbohydrates and sweet cereals to protect children’s health. More physical activity, regular health check-ups and promotion of healthy habits are also important.
Dr. Khan said: “Childhood is a crucial stage for treating triglycerides because blood vessels are still flexible and damage is minimal. Timely intervention can prevent serious problems in the future. Although elevated triglycerides do not show immediate symptoms, they act as an early indicator of heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver and metabolic syndrome and can be controlled with timely lifestyle changes.”
Doctors stressed that childhood is the best time to normalize triglyceride levels, as effective lifestyle changes can significantly reduce future health risks and promote overall well-being.
INPUTS: KNO
