From Childhood Adversity to Adult Obesity, The Role of Early Life Stress in Shaping Future Weight Outcome
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Obesity is a growing global public health concern with multifactorial origins. This study investigates the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction—and obesity in adulthood. It aims to evaluate whether early life stress contributes to in creased obesity risk later in life, while also examining potential associations with underweight status.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 948 randomly selected individuals aged 18 years and above in the Sulaimani Governorate. Participants were assessed for exposure to ten recognized categories of ACEs using a structured questionnaire. Weight status (including obesity and underweight) was recorded and cate gorized according to established WHO-BMI classifications. Statistical analyses were performed to identify associa tions between cumulative ACE scores and weight-related outcomes.
Results: Among the participants, 59.4% reported exposure to at least one ACE category, and approximately 26% re ported four or more. The most prevalent ACEs included physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological and physical neglect, and exposure to domestic violence. A significant, graded relationship was identified between the number of ACEs and the prevalence of obesity. However, no statistically significant association was observed between ACEs and underweight status.
Conclusion: Adverse childhood experiences are both common and consequential, demonstrating a strong correla tion with obesity in adulthood. However, no association was found between ACE exposure and underweight out comes. These findings underscore the importance of early-life intervention strategies aimed at preventing childhood adversity to reduce obesity risk and promote healthier long- term outcomes.
