Transition of BMI Status From Childhood to Adulthood and Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome in Midlife: A 36-Year Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the associations between BMI transitions from childhood to adulthood and cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome and its components in midlife.

Research design and methods: Using data from the Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study, 1,997 participants aged 6-18 years were followed for 36 years into midlife (mean age 48.12 years). Participants were categorized into four groups based on BMI transitions from childhood to midlife: control, incident, persistent, and resolution. CKM stages ranged from early (stages 0-1), to intermediate (stage 2), to advanced (stages 3-4), defined by cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic disorders. Multivariable regression models were used to assess associations between BMI transitions and CKM outcomes.

Results: Individuals transitioning from normal childhood BMI to overweight in adulthood had higher risks of intermediate (odds ratio [OR] 5.19 [95% CI 3.15-8.53]) and advanced CKM stages (OR 6.70 [95% CI 3.96-11.33]) compared with those with persistently normal BMI. These risks were attenuated if elevated childhood BMI resolved by adulthood. For specific CKM components, individuals with normal childhood BMI but overweight in adulthood showed higher risks of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, subclinical kidney damage, albuminuria, and metabolic abnormalities compared with those with persistently normal BMI. These risks were reduced if high childhood BMI normalized by adulthood.

Conclusions: Transitioning from normal childhood BMI to overweight in adulthood is associated with increased risks of higher CKM stages in midlife. However, individuals whose high childhood BMI resolved by adulthood exhibit similar risk to those with persistently normal BMI.