Trends of Dyslipidemia in Korean Youth According to Sex and Body Mass Index: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018)

Abstract

Objective: To assess trends of dyslipidemia among youth, we investigated secular trends in serum lipid levels from 2007 to 2018 and the current prevalence of dyslipidemia in Korean children and adolescents.

Study design: This cross-sectional study investigated lipid profiles of 10 734 youths aged 10-18 years using data from phases IV-VII of the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. We assessed age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted mean levels of lipids at each survey.

Results: Mean levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels increased from phase IV to VII. Among boys, the prevalence of acceptable levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C decreased significantly (P = .005, P = .001, and P < .001, respectively). In girls, the prevalence of acceptable levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C decreased significantly (P = .003, P = .005, P = .008, and P = .013, respectively). In BMI- and age-specific analyses, worsening trends in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-HDL levels were more apparent in youths with a normal BMI and young age.

Conclusions: Dyslipidemia trends are worsening in Korean youth, even in those with a normal BMI and young age. Thus, future cardiovascular disease risk may increase and comprehensive management plans are required for youth with overweight or obesity and those with a normal BMI and young age.