ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION PrevalenceofCardiovascularDiseaseRiskFactors Among National Football League Players

CONCERN EXISTS ABOUT THE cardiovascular health implications of large size among professional football players and those players who aspire to professional status. An estimated 4.3 million youth ages 6 to 17 years participated in football in 2000 in the United States, including tackle, touch, and flag football. A 2005-2006 high school participation survey estimated that 1.1 million students participated in US football in that year, and participation levels continue to increase. Approximately 14% of male students in grades 9 through 12 in the United States participate in football. Studieshavesuggested that fitnessmay provide protection against the health risks of obesity, although other studies have found that physical activity is beneficial but does not eliminate these risks. This issue is of interest in large, active athletes. A significant increase in body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) for offensive and defensive linemen has been noted during the past 30 years, and BMI fitting the category of class II obesity was reported in more than a quarter of National Football League (NFL) players in 2003. In