The question: Are youngsters who are not physically active more likely to face health problems as they grow up?

This study: analyzed data on 389 children ages 7 to 10 at the start of the study. They were measured for height, weight, body fat percentage, cholesterol levels and blood pressure, tested for aerobic fitness and questioned about physical activity. Seven years later, about 5 percent of them were found to have metabolic syndrome, a collection of five conditions (hypertension, high blood sugar levels, obesity, low levels of "good" cholesterol and elevated levels of blood fats) that can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Teens with metabolic syndrome were five to six times more likely to have been inactive and to have begun with below-average aerobic fitness.

Who may be affected? Children. A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made when at least three of the five conditions that constitute the disorder are present.

Find this study: April 4 online issue of Dynamic Medicine.

Learn more: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health and www.mayoclinic.com.

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