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Effects of multiple stress events at different stages of life on the incidence of metabolic syndrome

  • 0Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
Frontiers in Endocrinology +

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November 6, 2024

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November 6, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Experiencing multiple traumatic events across life stages significantly elevates the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Smoking also emerges as a key risk factor for this condition.

Area Of Science

  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background

  • Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
  • Understanding the long-term impact of stress on metabolic health is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the association between exposure to multiple stress events at different life stages (fetal, childhood, adult) and the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Main Methods

  • A cohort of 626 miners from Tangshan, China, were assessed for exposure to traumatic events (e.g., Tangshan earthquake) across their lifespan.
  • Life Event Scale and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were used to assess stress exposure.
  • Physical examinations, metabolic parameter measurements, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) levels were analyzed.

Main Results

  • MetS incidence increased with the number of traumatic events experienced (17.9% for 1 event, 24.7% for 2 events, 48.4% for 3 events).
  • Multivariate logistic regression identified exposure to multiple stressors across fetal, childhood, and adult stages as independent risk factors for MetS (OR=3.134).
  • Smoking was also confirmed as a significant risk factor for MetS (OR=1.809).

Conclusions

  • Exposure to cumulative traumatic stress throughout life is a significant independent risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome.
  • Public health strategies should consider the lifelong impact of stress on metabolic health.
  • Smoking cessation programs may help mitigate MetS risk in vulnerable populations.

Keywords:

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