Archive · 24 Nov 2025
Cholesterol in Children: Causes, Screening, and Management
High cholesterol is not just a problem for adults; kids can have it too.
There are two types of cholesterol: good (HDL) and bad (LDL).
Bad cholesterol can build up in blood vessels and cause problems.
Kids can have high cholesterol because of their genes or because they are overweight or have other health issues.
Doctors say it's important to check kids' cholesterol levels when they are 9 to 11 years old, especially if their parents have high cholesterol or if the kids are overweight.
To keep cholesterol levels healthy, kids should eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and proteins, drink plenty of water, and exercise every day.
Eating junk food and sugary drinks should be limited.
Medicines are usually not given to kids for high cholesterol unless it's because of their genes.
High cholesterol in children can be caused by genetic mutations or conditions like obesity, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, and obstructive liver disease.
The World Health Organisation reports that 35 million children under 5 were overweight in 2024, and over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight in 2022.
Universal screening for lipid profiles is recommended for all children between 9 and 11 years of age, with special attention to children with a family history of high cholesterol or those with obesity, diabetes, or hypertension.
Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, adequate water intake, and regular exercise, are crucial for managing high cholesterol levels in children.
Medications for high cholesterol in children are typically only approved after 8-10 years of age and are more often indicated for genetic causes of hypercholesterolemia.
- Who
- Children and adolescents
- What
- High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- When
- Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic
- Where
- Globally, with a significant increase in obesity rates
- Why
- Due to genetic mutations, obesity, and other health conditions
- Categories of lipids
- Cholesterol and triglycerides
- Good cholesterol
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
- Bad cholesterol
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
- Primary hypercholesterolemia
- Genetic mutations
- Secondary hypercholesterolemia
- Obesity, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, obstructive liver disease
- Recommended screening age
- 9 to 11 years
- Recommended daily exercise
- 30 to 45 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
- Medication approval age
- After 8-10 years of age