BMI at different childhood age periods associated with cardiometabolic disorders in young adulthood

The aim of this study was to investigate when the association between childhood obesity and adult cardiometabolic disorders starts to be operative.

The study cohort included 811 participants who had data on blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, or alanine aminotransferase in adulthood and had at least one measurement of BMI in childhood.

Childhood BMI z score was significantly associated with increased risks of ≥1 cardiometabolic disorders, ≥2 cardiometabolic disorders, and elevated blood pressure in adulthood for age groups of 6 to 9 years, 10 to 12 years, 13 to 15 years, and 16 to 18 years, after adjustment for covariates. For low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, significant associations were observed for age groups of 10 to 12 years, 13 to 15 years, and 16 to 18 years. For elevated triglyceride and elevated alanine aminotransferase, significant associations were observed for age groups of 13 to 15 years and 16 to 18 years. For insulin resistance, significant associations were observed for age groups of 10 to 12 years and 16 to 18 years. For elevated total cholesterol, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or elevated fasting blood glucose, no association was observed in any age group.

The association between childhood BMI and adult cardiometabolic disorders begins to be operative from early life. These results support universal screening of childhood obesity starting at an early age.