Life‐course trajectories of body mass index and cardiovascular disease risks and health outcomes in adulthood: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

Summary Objective This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of life course body mass index (BMI) trajectories (childhood to adulthood) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and outcomes. Methods Prospective or retrospective cohort studies were identified that assessed the association of BMI trajectories with CVD risks and outcomes from databases published in English. The pooled effect sizes were estimated using a random‐effects model. Findings Seventeen eligible studies were included in this systematic review. The results revealed that a persistently overweight trajectory from childhood to adulthood was associated with a higher risk of hypertension (RR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.9, 3.28) and type 2 diabetes (RR: 4.62; 95% CI: 2.36, 9.04) compared with a trajectory characterized by a normal BMI throughout both childhood and adulthood. Similarly, the risk of hypertension (RR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.70, 3.33) and type 2 diabetes (RR: 3.66; 95% CI: 2.57, 5.19) was higher in those with normal‐to‐overweight trajectory compared with participants with a stable normal weight trajectory. Conclusion The findings suggest that lifetime BMI trajectories may be influential on health outcomes, and preventive strategies should be designed accordingly. Implementing appropriate preventive strategies at all life stages may reduce CVD risks and adverse outcomes later in life.