Kerala and Maharashtra had the lowest prevalence rates, at 16.6% and 19.1%, respectively.
High triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, once considered primarily adult health issues, are increasingly affecting children. The latest report, Children in India 2025, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on September 25, reveals alarming trends in cholesterol and triglyceride levels among Indian children and adolescents.
According to the report, more than 67% of children in West Bengal, 64% in Sikkim, 55% in Nagaland, 57% in Assam, and 54% in Manipur were estimated to have high triglycerides. Kerala and Maharashtra had the lowest prevalence rates, at 16.6% and 19.1%, respectively.
Among adolescents aged 10-19 years, the proportion was much lower, with only 16% in India having high triglycerides and less than 4% showing high LDL cholesterol. Still, Bengal once again topped the list at 42.5%, followed by Sikkim (39.4%) and Manipur (38%). Maharashtra had the lowest at 6.4%. For high LDL levels in this age group, Goa and Kerala were the highest at 15.3% and 14.9%. These numbers highlight an urgent children’s health issue that many parents may not even be aware of.
What Are Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fats present in the blood. After eating, the body converts extra calories into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells and released later for energy. While small amounts are normal and essential for the body to function, excessive triglycerides can harden or thicken artery walls—a condition called atherosclerosis—raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis over time.
Why High Triglycerides Are Dangerous for Children
Many people associate cholesterol problems with adults, but the report shows it is becoming an issue in children too. High triglycerides in children can be dangerous because:
- It slowly damage blood vessels without symptoms
- It increase the risk of early heart disease and stroke
- When combined with high LDL cholesterol, they can speed up artery blockage.
- If untreated, the risks extend into adulthood, leading to long-term health complications.
Children under 10 are particularly vulnerable. Elevated triglycerides and LDL levels at this age can trigger early plaque buildup, narrowing arteries, reducing blood flow, and potentially leading to long-term health complications in adulthood.
