New Delhi: Carrying excess body fat before the age of 30 could significantly raise the risk of premature death, according to a major new study. Researchers have found that weight gain during early adulthood, particularly between ages 17 and 30, can nearly double the chances of dying young, with the long-term impact of obesity becoming more severe the earlier it starts.
The long-term effects of obesity
The findings, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, highlight how critical early adulthood is in shaping long-term health. According to Professor Tanja Stocks of Lund University, Sweden, even moderate weight gain in your 20s can greatly increase the likelihood of premature death, especially if the excess weight is carried for many years. “Starting a healthy lifestyle early is key to living longer,” she emphasised.
The research is based on medical records of 620,000 individuals aged 17 to 60, tracked for several decades. On average, men were followed for 23 years, while women were monitored for around 12 years. During this time, the researchers closely examined changes in body weight and their relationship with mortality. One of the most alarming takeaways is that people who became obese between the ages of 17 and 30 had a 79% higher risk of early death for men and 84% for women, compared to those who only became obese later in life or managed to avoid obesity altogether. The study found that each pound gained annually before the age of 30 increased the risk of premature death by 24% for men and 22% for women.
Researchers believe this heightened risk is due to the cumulative damage caused by prolonged obesity. Carrying excess weight for many years increases the chances of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer, particularly in women.
Huyen Le, a co-author of the study, noted that avoiding early weight gain can dramatically reduce the risk of multiple health complications in later life. “Preventing obesity in late adolescence and early adulthood is essential to reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases,” Le said. The researchers stressed that early intervention is crucial—not only for adults but also for children and teens, as childhood obesity often leads to continued weight issues in adulthood.
According to the NHS stats, 19% of people aged 35 years and less in England are already obese. This raises concerns regarding healthcare and also the risk of several metabolic disorders that are more likely to occur because of this. Therefore, doctors and health experts are calling for better healthcare strategies – from following a balanced diet to working out regularly, from quitting smoking to limiting alcohol intake. In some cases, using weight loss drugs like Ozempic may even help combat obesity and lower the risk of some forms of cancer.
Furthermore, the NHS recommends novel techniques to support younger patients. One such idea is going on morning walks with younger people, eating healthier foods, thereby reducing the risk of developing chronic and acute disorders.
Researchers believe this heightened risk is due to the cumulative damage caused by prolonged obesity. Carrying excess weight for many years increases the chances of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer, particularly in women. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
