A groundbreaking study has revealed that increased sedentary time from childhood to young adulthood significantly raises cholesterol levels. However, light physical activity (LPA) may effectively reverse this adverse effect. The study, a collaborative effort by the University of Bristol, the University of Exeter, and the University of Eastern Finland, was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
The research underscores the growing concern about elevated cholesterol and dyslipidaemia among young people, which has been linked to early death and cardiac issues. With a staggering 20% of teenagers, not from genetic inheritance backgrounds, showing elevated cholesterol levels – a figure that rises to 25% by their mid-twenties – the findings are a call to action.
To combat this, experts suggest universal paediatric lipid screening and the adoption of an “adolescent cholesterol passport” to monitor cholesterol levels and initiate early preventive treatment. Movement behaviour, alongside diet, is highlighted as a key factor in preventing dyslipidaemia.
The study utilised data from the University of Bristol’s Children of the 90s project, following 792 children from age 11 to 24. Measurements of sedentary time, LPA, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were taken using accelerometers at various ages, along with cholesterol levels and body composition assessments.
Findings show a worrying increase in sedentary time from around 6 to 9 hours daily, with a corresponding decrease in LPA. Surprisingly, while MVPA is beneficial, its effect is significantly reduced by body fat. In contrast, an average of 4.5 hours a day of LPA from childhood through young adulthood showed a notable decrease in total cholesterol, although this too is affected by body fat mass.
Dr. Andrew Agbaje, a leading figure in the study, emphasised the importance of LPA in countering the effects of sedentariness. “LPA from childhood may be more effective than MVPA at reversing elevated cholesterol and dyslipidaemia,” he stated. The study also found that fat mass significantly diminishes the cholesterol-lowering effect of MVPA.
These findings are particularly relevant as current guidelines predominantly focus on MVPA, with little emphasis on LPA. Dr. Agbaje urges public health experts, paediatricians, and policymakers to encourage more participation in LPA from childhood, considering its significant health benefits.
The research group, urFIT-child, receives support from various foundations, highlighting the broad interest and concern regarding childhood health and physical activity. This study contributes crucial evidence to the ongoing discourse on children’s health, particularly in the context of rising sedentary lifestyles.