An Unhealthy Lifestyle As Youths Mature Has A Major Impact On Adult Cholesterol Levels

A study by Australian and Finnish researchers has found that an unhealthy lifestyle as youths mature into adulthood  has a significant impact on unhealth lipid and lipoprotein levels in adults. The researchers studied 539 young adults who were measured at the start of the study in 1985 when aged 9, 12, or 15 years and at follow-up between 2004 and 2006. An unhealthy lifestyle – lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, saturated fat consumption, etc. – was shown to affect whether an individual maintained weight, lost weight, or developed risky cholesterol levels. The researchers concluded that weight control, increased physical activity, avoidance of smoking, and improved socioeconomic position as a person grows from youth to adulthood “are likely to be of benefit in preventing adult dyslipidemia,” the researchers concluded.