A recent study has revealed a simple habit that could potentially reverse the damaging effects of high cholesterol without the need for medication. The findings, led by Dr. Andrew Agbaje from the University of Exeter, suggest that light physical activities such as walking and household chores could mitigate the risks associated with high cholesterol levels, reducing the likelihood of heart attacks and premature death.
High cholesterol levels during childhood have been linked to early signs of heart disease in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of incorporating light physical activity into daily routines, emphasising its potential benefits over more intense forms of exercise. Dr. Agbaje stated that light physical activity could be the key to preventing elevated cholesterol levels and dyslipidaemia from a young age.
The research calls for international guidelines on children’s activity to include the benefits of light exercise. While current recommendations advise 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day for children and adolescents, the study suggests that focusing on at least three hours of light physical activity daily could have a more significant impact on heart health.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, analysed data from 792 children, measuring their sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at various ages. The results showed that engaging in approximately four-and-a-half hours of light physical activity per day from childhood to young adulthood reduced total cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, the study found that while moderate-to-vigorous physical activity also had some benefits in lowering cholesterol, the effects were diminished by total body fat mass. Dr. Agbaje highlighted the importance of combatting sedentary behaviour in childhood, which could contribute significantly to increased cholesterol levels in later years and potentially lead to heart-related issues.
The research team behind the study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Bristol, suggests that focusing on light physical activities such as slow dancing, swimming, or cycling could be up to five times more effective in promoting cardiac health and reducing inflammation among young individuals.
Overall, the study underscores the vital role of light physical activity in maintaining heart health and preventing the long-term consequences of high cholesterol levels. By encouraging children and young adults to incorporate more light exercise into their daily lives, the findings offer a promising approach to mitigating the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases later in life.