Long-Term Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review

Pediatric obesity is an emerging health issue worldwide resulting in an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases upon reaching adulthood. These risks are further exacerbated by socioeconomic and demographic factors. The systematic literature review seeks to comprehensively evaluate future cardiovascular complications arising from pediatric obesity, particularly focusing on hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic disorders.

A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines of studies published between 2000 and 2024. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were accessed to retrieve relevant literature on childhood obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. A rigorous inclusion and exclusion protocol was employed with selected studies including children under 18 years with obesity and evaluating long-term cardiovascular risk in adulthood. Cross-sectional studies lacking follow-up, non-English studies, conference proceedings, and reviews were excluded.

Twenty-five longitudinal cohort studies were selected essentially revealing childhood obesity to be a highly influential factor of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Pediatric obesity was highlighted to exert early-life cardiovascular changes such as arterial stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, and diabetes. These early life alterations underscore the necessity of early life interventions. Furthermore, socioeconomic status and demographics, especially lower-income populations where minorities and poor people are exposed to poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, and poor healthcare.

Pediatric obesity is strongly associated with future cardiovascular complications. Mitigating this risk requires early interventions and comprehensive prevention strategies. Future studies should focus on longitudinal studies to find sustainable solutions to lower childhood obesity-led cardiovascular complications.