November 24, 2025, New Delhi

Cholesterol isn’t just an adult concern—children can also face issues with high cholesterol and triglycerides, which are both types of lipids. While cholesterol is largely produced by the liver and appears minimally in foods, triglycerides come entirely from dietary sources. Understanding these fats is crucial for parents to support their child’s long-term heart health.

Cholesterol travels in the blood via lipoproteins. LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” can accumulate in blood vessels, raising the risk of heart problems. HDL, the “good cholesterol,” helps clear LDL, protecting the arteries. High cholesterol in children may be primary, caused by genetic mutations, or secondary, often linked to conditions like obesity, hypothyroidism, liver disease, or nephrotic syndrome. Pediatric obesity, exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic, has become a major concern globally. According to WHO, millions of children worldwide are overweight or obese, increasing their risk for metabolic complications like prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, and cardiovascular issues.

Experts recommend universal cholesterol screening for children aged 9–11 and earlier for those with obesity, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol. Lifestyle changes are key: balanced home-cooked meals, increased fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber, along with adequate water intake, are essential. Reducing junk food and sugary drinks and encouraging daily exercise of 30–45 minutes can significantly improve lipid levels.

Medication is rarely needed before 8–10 years of age and is mostly reserved for genetic causes. Early awareness, regular monitoring, and healthy habits can help children maintain optimal cholesterol levels and reduce future heart risks.

 Cholesterol in Children: What Parents Should Know

High cholesterol isn’t just an adult problem—children can have it too. Cholesterol and triglycerides are two main types of fats in the blood. While the liver produces most cholesterol, triglycerides come mainly from food. Both are important, but an imbalance can affect heart health even in kids.

LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” can build up in blood vessels, while HDL, the “good cholesterol,” helps remove it. Children can develop high cholesterol due to genetics (primary) or conditions like obesity, hypothyroidism, liver issues, or nephrotic syndrome (secondary). Pediatric obesity has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing risks of insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, and heart problems.

Experts recommend checking cholesterol for all children aged 9–11, and earlier if there’s obesity, diabetes, or a family history. Lifestyle is key: encourage balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber, limit junk food and sugary drinks, ensure proper hydration, and promote daily physical activity of 30–45 minutes.

Medications are rarely needed before 8–10 years and usually for genetic cases. Early screening and healthy habits can protect children’s heart health and prevent problems later in life. Parents can play a huge role in guiding kids toward a healthy future.