Let Them Eat Cake

Perhaps part of the uproar is the fact that people are worried that these medications may become a replacement for lifestyle changes. Also, I haven't looked it up so I am unsure as to whether there are any long-term studies to determine if there would be any detrimental effects to using these meds on children? This has been the case with many medications in the past.

I do think that lifestyle changes should be tried first (so long as there is no immediate danger), as it is the safest way to lower cholesterol. However, if after X amount of time, then medication ought to be considered with one's doctor IMO. I just worry about the long-term effects, and the idea that doctors/parents may not try to follow up on lifestyle and diet changes; about this being used as essentially a "bandaid" where a suture is needed, know what I mean?

Atherosclerosis ---the clogging of the arteries that may lead to heart failure, strokes and other diseases---certainly can begin early in life and excessive weight in children may accelerate this process in some. But there is a middle-ground between weight-loss and medication. Selected nutrients---soluble fiber from oats, beans, psyllium and high pectin fruits, plant sterols and monounsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats can serve to significantly improve cholesterol levels (studies) independent of weight and without medication. A 30% reduction in LDL cholesterol has been documented and the NIH’s National Cholesterol Education Program indicates that a commitment to somewhat broader therapeutic lifestyle changes can deliver result comparable to cholesterol-lowering medications. Selected other nutrients can further improve cholesterol levels. www.kardeanutrition.com.

Atherosclerosis ---the clogging of the arteries that may lead to heart failure, strokes and other diseases---certainly can begin early in life and excessive weight in children may accelerate this process in some. But there is a middle-ground between weight-loss and medication. Selected nutrients---soluble fiber from oats, beans, psyllium and high pectin fruits, plant sterols and monounsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats can serve to significantly improve cholesterol levels (studies) independent of weight and without medication. A 30% reduction in LDL cholesterol has been documented and the NIH’s National Cholesterol Education Program indicates that a commitment to somewhat broader therapeutic lifestyle changes can deliver result comparable to cholesterol-lowering medications. Selected other nutrients can further improve cholesterol levels. www.kardeanutrition.com.