Heart Health High Cholesterol Diagnosis High Cholesterol in Kids and Teens By Ellen Slotkin, RD, LDN Ellen Slotkin is a registered dietitian specializing in heart-healthy nutrition, weight management, and pregnancy nutrition. Learn about our editorial process Ellen Slotkin, RD, LDN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD on January 03, 2020 facebook linkedin Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. Learn about our Medical Review Board Richard N. Fogoros, MD Updated on February 26, 2020 Print Concerned about high cholesterol in your child or teen? You are not alone. Medical professionals have observed a problematic increase in cholesterol levels in young people in recent years, coinciding with the general rise in obesity in America. High cholesterol levels in young people are concerning because they can set the stage for a lifetime of health problems, including an increased risk for heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. Compassionate Eye Foundation / Rob Daly / OJO Images Ltd / Getty Images Foods That Raise Cholesterol It isn't simply dietary cholesterol that should be avoided to lower total cholesterol levels in kids and teens, says Suzanne Rostler, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian in private practice in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and co-author of the book Ending the Food Fight. he main culprits in elevated cholesterol in children are diet, obesity, and lack of exercise. Eating high-carbohydrate and processed foods (along with saturated fats and trans fats) increases cholesterol. Trans fats, a type of fat found in commercial baked goods, are particularly bad for your cholesterol: they lower HDL, the "good" cholesterol, and raise LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. Foods That Lower Cholesterol In addition to cutting back on the foods that have cholesterol, there are many foods you and your kids can add to your diet that help to lower cholesterol. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, which are all good sources of fiber—a component of food that can help lower unhealthy cholesterol. Healthy fats, in particular, omega-3s, also help to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol. Replace butter with canola or olive oil; choose fish instead of red meat at least a couple times a week; use nut butter or avocado on toast. What Parents Can Do When you're trying to add cholesterol-lowering foods and cut back on foods that raise cholesterol, it pays to plan. Have healthy foods available for snacks: cut up vegetables ahead of time so they're ready to grab-and-go. Keep plain low-fat Greek yogurt on hand: it makes a healthy base for fruit or vegetable dips. Limit snacks like chips and crackers made with refined grains; refocus snacks on healthy whole foods. Remember that children of any age should never be encouraged to "diet" or follow a special meal pattern unless directed to do so by a physician. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to start a diet to better manage your cholesterol? Changing lifelong eating habits can be scary at first, but our guide will make it easier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit