Overweight and obesity in adulthood, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and the early burden of noncommunicable diseases among Americans: NHANES 2007–2018

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the association between nutritional status in early adulthood and the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); To evaluate the influence of sociodemographic factors and lifestyle on the outcomes of BMI kg/m2 ≤24.9, ≥25.0, and ≥30.0; to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) to BMI elevated at 25 years old in the burden of NCDs in American adults.MethodsWe used data from 15 721 American adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018. The Hazard Ratio (HR), Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated in the proportional risk regression models of Cox (entire population) and Poisson (restricted to non‐patients), respectively. The proportionality of the risk between the burden of NCDs and BMI at 25 years old was drawn by the Kaplan–Meier curve, and the PAF was calculated. All analyses were adjusted taking into account the sample weights.ResultsHealth disparities (sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, poverty index, and education level), and lifestyle (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) influenced the current nutritional status. Cumulative survival in overweight and obese groups decreased considerably over time (p < .0001). Being overweight and obese in adulthood may increase the risk of early NCDs (HR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.54–1.84 and HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 2.56–3.21, respectively). About 22.72% (95% CI: 19.99–25.36, p < .001) of the burden NCDs could have been avoided if overweight at age 25 had been prevented.ConclusionsMonitoring weight change from young adulthood can provide a sensitive and useful clinical measure for early detection of adverse trends in NCDs risk.