Sedentary “tweens” at higher risk for heart disease
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* Jennifer Jones

The sedentary lifestyle of Canadian “tweens” is putting them at risk of developing heart disease at a younger age than members of previous generations, a new report from the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation indicates. 

![Figure1](http://www.cmaj.ca/https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/166/8/1075.3/F1.medium.gif)

[Figure1](http://www.cmaj.ca/content/166/8/1075.3/F1)

Figure. **Put that back!** Photo by: Canapress

It warns that a poor diet and inadequate exercise among children aged 9 to 12 could “put them in the fast lane” for heart disease and stroke by the time they're 30.

In interviews with 500 tweens across the country, researchers found that only 14% eat enough fruit and vegetables, while just over half exercise regularly. “We are concerned over where this is leading,” says Dr. Anthony Graham, a cardiologist at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto and a foundation spokesperson. “Some of these kids will have worse heart health than their parents.”

Graham also says the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing rapidly within this age group and this is “a huge concern.”

He says a future pandemic of heart disease within this cohort can be avoided if parents start pushing their children to eat better and exercise more. “It's the small things that make all the difference,” he says. “Can't we turn off the television set, limit computer time and put better food choices in front of our kids?”

According to a study published recently in *CMAJ* (2000;163[11]:1429-33), from 1981 to 1996 the incidence of excess weight among boys 7–13 increased by 92%, among girls 7–13 by 57%. Obesity more than doubled in both sexes during the same period.

Katherine Gray-Donald, director of dietetics and human nutrition at McGill University, warns that putting children on diets or changing their eating habits too quickly is unhealthy. Besides, such efforts often fail. “Gradual change is better, especially if you want it to last,” she says. “It's not a matter of counting calories with children, it's changing the lifestyle and eating habits.” — *Jennifer Jones*, Ottawa