Weight gain in early adulthood linked to higher mortality risk, study finds

Gaining weight during early adulthood significantly elevates the risk of premature death, a new study suggests. Researchers at Lund University in Sweden tracked the weight changes of over 600,000 individuals over time, analyzing at least three weight recordings per person between the ages of 17 and 60.

The findings indicate that individuals who first experienced obesity between the ages of 17 and 29 faced approximately a 70% higher risk of dying from any cause during the study's follow-up period compared to those who remained non-obese until age 60. The study defines the onset of obesity as the first recorded instance of a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.

Scientists theorize that prolonged exposure to the biological stress of being overweight, where the body endures greater strain and is subject to increased wear and tear, could be a primary factor contributing to higher mortality rates. The research also examined overall mortality and deaths linked to obesity-related conditions.

Beyond the critical early adulthood period, the study also found that significant weight gain at any age increases mortality risk. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, were prominently cited among the causes of death. The duration of time spent in an obese state appears to be a key determinant of this elevated risk, underscoring the long-term health consequences of excess weight.