Dealing with childhood cholesterol

Big news today from the American Academy of Pediatrics that’s sure to spark lively debate. They have released the strongest guidelines ever to treat children with Cholesterol problems in an attempt to ward off future heart disease. About one third of American children are considered overweight; nearly 20 percent obese.

For the first time, the Academy recommends screenings begin as young as two years old, and that children as young as eight might need cholesterol fighting drugs.

"The Takeaway" talks to Dr. Peter Jung, who is a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas; as well as a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Jung says he’s "skeptical" about the use of cholesterol medication for children.

"The Takeaway" is PRI’s new national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.

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