KMCRI Study Reveals Elevated Cardiac Risk in Overweight Adolescents

A preliminary study conducted by the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) in Hubballi has uncovered alarming cardiac risk factors among overweight adolescents, emphasizing the urgent need for public health interventions. The study, spearheaded by the Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit (MDRU) of KMCRI, aimed to identify early indicators of cardiovascular metabolic risk in school-going adolescents in Dharwad.

The research team, led by Dr. Ram Kaulgud, selected 30 asymptomatic, overweight students from classes VIII and IX across six schools in both urban and rural settings. The objective was to assess biochemical and clinical markers associated with cardiovascular risk, given the concerning trend of early onset of risk factors typically associated with adults.

According to Dr. Kaulgud, “The findings from our small sample size are alarming. The presence of elevated cholesterol levels and hypertension among these adolescents indicates a pressing need for lifestyle modifications and routine screenings.”

The study's results, published on June 29, 2025, revealed that one participant was diabetic, while four were diagnosed with hypertension. Additionally, lipid profile abnormalities were detected: five students exhibited elevated total cholesterol levels and eleven had high triglyceride levels, including one with an exceedingly high reading of 499 mg/dL.

Of particular concern was the finding that Homocysteine levels were elevated in 26 out of the 30 students, indicating a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also highlighted that 18 students had significantly elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, a known marker of inflammation and cardiac risk. These results suggest that over 80% of the participants had biochemical profiles indicative of increased risk for adverse cardiac events.

The implications of these findings are profound, underscoring the necessity for urgent public health interventions targeting adolescent obesity. Dr. S.F. Kammar, Director of KMCRI, stated, “We have received positive feedback from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) regarding our preliminary study, which encourages us to pursue a larger sample study to further investigate these concerns.”

Recognizing the scale of the issue, the researchers plan to collaborate with other Multi-Disciplinary Research Units (MRUs) across medical colleges and hospitals to conduct a more extensive study. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive report to the government, proposing strategies for effective health policies and interventions addressing adolescent health concerns.

The study's findings align with broader health statistics indicating a surge in obesity and related health risks among adolescents in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2020-2021, nearly 5.2% of adolescents aged 15-19 years are classified as overweight or obese, highlighting an urgent public health crisis.

In light of these developments, experts agree that immediate action is required to combat adolescent obesity and its associated health risks. Dr. Anjali Sharma, a public health expert at the University of Delhi, commented, “This study illustrates a critical need for integrating cardiovascular health monitoring into school health programs, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.”

As public health officials and educators grapple with these challenges, the findings from KMCRI serve as a clarion call to prioritize adolescent health and implement effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with obesity. The upcoming larger study will hopefully provide further insights and lead to actionable solutions to safeguard the well-being of future generations.