SERUM CHOLESTEROL AND SERUM TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS IN AUSTRALIAN ADOLESCENT MALES

The serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels were estimated in 613 healthy teenage boys aged eleven to eighteen years. The serum cholesterol levels were higher than expected, the mean was 200 p 33 mg/100 ml. Twelve per cent of the boys had serum cholesterol levels equal to or greater that 240 mg/100 ml. This is usually considered to be abnormal at this age. The serum cholesterol levels showed a slight negative correlation with age and in one group a positive correlation with physical fitness. They did not correlate with obesity, anthropometric measurements, pubertal status or socioeconomic status of school or pupil. The mean serum triglyceride level was 63 p 42 mg/100 ml and was comparable with overseas reports. It showed a slight positive correlation with age and obesity.