The Association Between Adolescent Obesity and Disability Incidence in Young Adulthood

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the longitudinal relationship between obesity during adolescence and development of disability during young adulthood.

Methods: A cohort of 8,032 individuals aged 11-21 years enrolled in 1994-1995 (Wave I) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, followed up in 1996 (Wave II) and in 2001-2002 (Wave III). Individuals were divided into four categories based on weight and height of Wave II and Wave III: (1) developing obesity; (2) persistent obesity; (3) no obesity; and (4) obesity reversal. Disability was measured in Wave III using a measure of functional limitations and the Short Form 36 physical functioning scale. Logistic regression was used to predict the probability of disability as a function of weight category.

Results: Compared with their nonobese peers, adolescents developing obesity (adjusted odds ratio: 1.83 [95% confidence interval: 1.51-2.22]) and with persistent obesity (adjusted odds ratio: 2.09 [95% confidence interval: 1.64-2.67]) had a higher odds of having a functional limitation in Wave III.

Conclusions: Developing obesity and persistent obesity during adolescence were significantly associated with increased disability in young adulthood.

Keywords: Adolescent health; Adolescent obesity; Functional disability.