Researchers at King’s College London have developed a new blood test that may allow clinicians to identify children at higher risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, liver, and heart disease. This innovative approach focuses on a broader range of lipids rather than traditional cholesterol and triglyceride measurements.
Using mass spectrometry, the team measured thousands of lipid molecules in 1,300 children with obesity. Two hundred of these children then underwent the HOLBAEK lifestyle intervention,(a LSM method for people with obesity popular in Denmark) leading to reductions in lipid profiles tied to diabetes risk and insulin resistance, even when body mass index improvements were minimal. The study, published in Nature Medicine, underscores that factors beyond cholesterol, such as distinct lipid molecules may drive metabolic complications.
According to principal author Dr Cristina Legido-Quigley, "In the future, this has the potential to be an entirely new way to evaluate someone’s personal risk of disease. By studying how to change lipid molecules in the body, we could even prevent metabolic diseases like diabetes altogether."
Dr Karolina Sulek, who was part of the study and performed analysis at the SDCC, said: "Early recognition of children at risk for these life-threatening conditions is crucial. The study provides strong evidence of the great need for obesity management and gives parents confidence to intervene in their children’s life more compassionately, helping them to lose weight."
These findings could support clinicians in early identification of high-risk children, potentially facilitating timelier interventions. The next research phase will explore the genetic underpinnings of these lipid molecules, aiming to refine personalized strategies for pediatric obesity management. Further details forthcoming.
