Gaining weight at a young age, especially before the age of 30, can significantly increase the risk of premature death, according to a large scientific study.
Researchers who followed more than 600 people found that those who developed obesity in early adulthood had a significantly higher risk of dying earlier compared to those who gained weight later or avoided obesity.
The study, led by scientists at Lund University and published in eClinicalMedicine, shows that obesity at the age of 17–29 is associated with an approximately 70% increased risk of early death.
Experts point out that the timing of weight gain may be as important as the weight itself. In this study, weight changes were analyzed through repeated clinical measurements from ages 17 to 60, providing more accurate data than studies that rely on self-report.
On average, participants gained about 0.4 kilograms per year. However, those who gained weight more quickly were more likely to die from obesity-related diseases, including heart disease.
According to lead researcher Tanja Stocks, the early age of weight gain plays a crucial role. She points out that long-term exposure to the biological effects of excess weight may be one of the main reasons for the increased risk.
Obesity in adults is linked to a range of serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and at least 13 types of cancer. It also increases the risk of mortality from various causes and worsens outcomes in severe illnesses like COVID-19.
However, the researchers note that this risk is not the same for all diseases. For example, in women, the risk of cancer appears to be similar regardless of the timing of weight gain, suggesting that other biological factors, such as hormonal changes (including menopause), may have an impact.
Experts emphasize that the figures represent population-level trends and not precise individual risk. A 70% increase does not mean that most people will die early, but that the risk is higher compared to other groups.
The findings add to concerns about a society that favors weight gain and underscore the importance of preventing obesity from an early age. /GazetaExpress/
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