Heart disease in youth

There are mixed messages in the media and research field about prevalences and incidence of childhood obesity and the risks of chronic disease.  Recent statistics identify that 17% of youth (2-20 y.o.) are obese.  This means that 1 of every 5 American child is obese. The excess adipose, psychological weight and potential for long term less then healthy lifestyle habits remain a immense concern for our youth.  The alterations in lipid homeostasis in these youth can have the potential for long term 'geometrical changes in their myocardium.'  
Mangner, N., Scheuermann, K., Winzer, E., Wagner, I., Hoellriegel, R., Sandri, M.,......Erbs, S. (2014).
Childhood Obesity : Impact on Cardiac Geometry and Function. JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. Online first October 8, 2014.