Study links early adulthood BMI to cardiovascular risk in Chinese population

A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health has revealed a significant link between higher BMI in early adulthood and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in a Chinese population.

The study found that individuals with a higher BMI in early adulthood face a notably higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, hemorrhagic stroke, and ischemic stroke. Specifically, those with a BMI over 30 kg/m² in early adulthood had a 58 per cent higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to their lower BMI counterparts.

Researchers followed 360,855 participants aged 30-79 from both urban and rural areas, excluding those with pre-existing heart disease, stroke, cancer, or diabetes. The participants, surveyed between 2004 and 2008, provided information through interviews and physical measurements. The study used a Cox proportional hazards regression model to assess the relationship between BMI and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, adjusting for various demographic and lifestyle factors.

The findings align with similar studies conducted in Western countries and highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight from early adulthood. The study also noted that underweight individuals had a slightly lower risk of developing ischemic heart disease and stroke.

The research emphasises the need for targeted obesity prevention and weight management strategies for young adults to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. Future studies should explore lifestyle factors and dynamic weight changes during early adulthood for a more comprehensive understanding of their impact on cardiovascular health.