Adverse generational changes in obesity development converge at midlife without increased cardiometabolic risk
Obesity, vol. 29, pp. 1925–1938
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Obesity is becoming a global public health problem, but it is unclear how it impacts different generations over the life course. Here, a descriptive analysis of the age-related changes in anthropometric measures and related cardiometabolic risk factors across different generations was performed. METHODS: The development of anthropometric measures and related cardiometabolic risk factors was studied during 26 years of follow-up in the Doetinchem Cohort Study (N = 6,314 at baseline). All analyses were stratified by sex and generation, i.e., 10-year age groups (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years) at baseline. Generalized estimating equations were used to test for generational differences. RESULTS: Weight, BMI, waist circumference, and prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher, in general, in the younger generations during the first 10 to 15 years of follow-up. From age 50 to 59 years onward, these measures converged in all generations of men and women. Among cardiometabolic risk factors, only type 2 diabetes showed an unfavorable shift between the two oldest generations of men. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that, compared with the older generations, the younger generations had obesity at an earlier age but did not reach higher levels at midlife and beyond. This increased exposure to obesity was not (yet) associated with increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors.
Authors 7
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Leiden University Medical Center · National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Affiliation as printed
Leiden University Medical Center Leiden the Netherlands
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment Bilthoven the Netherlands
Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Affiliation as printed
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment Bilthoven the Netherlands
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Affiliation as printed
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment Bilthoven the Netherlands
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Jan Bert van Klinken Aachen
Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Leiden University Medical Center Leiden the Netherlands
Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Ko Willems van Dijk Aachen
Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Leiden University Medical Center Leiden the Netherlands
Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Martijn E.T. Dollé Aachen
Leiden University Medical Center · National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Affiliation as printed
Leiden University Medical Center Leiden the Netherlands
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment Bilthoven the Netherlands
Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Utrecht University · University Medical Center Utrecht · National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Affiliation as printed
Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht University Utrecht the Netherlands
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment Bilthoven the Netherlands
Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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