The EASO COMs network convened online in September to discuss the connection between cardiovascular health and childhood obesity. Experts in internal and sports medicine presented emerging research, prevention strategies, and the long-term links between childhood obesity and cardiovascular health. This webinar reinforced the critical need for early intervention and comprehensive strategies to improve long-term health outcomes for children.
Key takeaways
Managing Childhood Hypertension and Risk Factors: Managing elevated insulin, blood pressure, and lipid profiles in children with obesity presents unique challenges. Genetics play a significant role in childhood hypertension, requiring multi-level interventions involving families, schools, and communities.
Cardiovascular Health and Early Prevention in Children: Early identification of cardiovascular risk factors, such as early vascular aging, is essential for long-term health. Reducing sedentary behaviour and implementing lifestyle interventions improve microvascular health in children. Non-invasive vascular imaging detects early signs of vascular aging in children with obesity, emphasising the need for timely intervention. Retinal vessel diameter serves as a cardiovascular risk marker, highlighting the need for screening and prevention programmes involving families and communities.
Next Steps and Future Research: More research is needed on combining lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions, particularly to support cardiovascular health as part of the management of childhood obesity. Incorporating vascular health screenings into routine care helps identify children at risk of cardiovascular issues.
Catch up on this webinar in the EASO Video Archive.