Heavy teens may be at risk

London: Overweight children are showing signs of heart disease at the age of 15, researchers warn.

A study has revealed that being overweight throughout adolescence sows the seeds of ill-health for decades to come.

It is the first to investigate the link between body mass index (BMI), waist size and fat mass of pre-teen children and subsequent heart risk factors in late adolescence.

The findings show that children who have a high BMI at the age of nine and stay fat are more likely to have high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood insulin levels — all risk factors for heart disease — by the time they reach 15.