FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIPS OF BODY MASS INDEX an‎d SERUM LIPIDS

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to assess the relation of body mass index, serum lipids and dyslipidemia in parents and their children. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted on 211 students from Birjand junior high schools and their parents (211 mothers, 211 fathers) in 2007. The students were selected by multistage random sampling. Body mass index, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured in students and their parents. RESULTS: There was a significant relation of BMI in parents and children. Fathers' BMI had a significant relation with those of both boys and girls. There was a significant relation of total cholesterol and triglyceride between fathers and children in both in girls and boys. There was a significant relation of LDL-C between fathers and boys. In both parents HDL-C had significant relation with that in children, both in girls and boys. There was significant relation between hypercholesterolemia in fathers and low HDL-C in mothers and children (both boys and girls). CONCLUSION: There was significant relation of BMI and serum lipids and some forms of dyslipidemia in parents (especially fathers) and children. Hence, screening programs in children of high-risk parents are recommended.