Body mass index trajectories from birth to early adulthood and lung function development

Area of Science:

• Pediatric pulmonology
• Growth and development studies
• Obesity research

Background:

• Limited research exists on how body mass index (BMI) trajectories throughout childhood and adolescence affect lung function.
• Understanding these long-term effects is essential for developing effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between different body mass index (BMI) z-score trajectories from birth to 24 years and lung function at age 24.
• To identify specific BMI patterns linked to impaired lung function development.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of the Swedish BAMSE birth cohort (n=3204).
• Latent class mixture modeling to identify BMI z-score trajectories.
• Spirometry (pre- and post-bronchodilator) and lung clearance index (LCI) measured at age 24.
• Urinary metabolomics analyzed at age 24.

Main Results:

• Six distinct BMI trajectory groups were identified.
• Accelerated BMI increase was associated with reduced FEV1/FVC ratio and elevated LCI.
• Persistent high BMI was linked to lower FEV1/FVC growth and increased LCI.
• Persistent low BMI was associated with reduced FEV1/FVC and impaired lung function growth.
• Histidine metabolites correlated with FEV1 measures.

Conclusions:

• Childhood BMI trajectories significantly influence lung function development up to adulthood.
• Interventions promoting normal BMI in childhood may enhance long-term lung health.
• Specific BMI patterns, like accelerated increase or persistent high levels, are detrimental to lung function.