Tracking weight status and cardiometabolic indices from preadolescence to adulthood: The healthy growth follow-up study design and preliminary results

Abstract

Background

Several cardiometabolic (CM) risk—including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and lipid levels—track from childhood into adulthood, highlighting the need for early identification.

Aim

Quantify long-term patterns in BMI and CM risk and develop prediction models incorporating perinatal, environmental and lifestyle exposures.

Methods

This ongoing study follows 2661 preadolescents (9–13 years) from the 2007–2009 Healthy Growth Study in Greece over a mean 15.6-year follow-up to examine weight and CM tracking into adulthood. Follow-up assessments include anthropometry, body composition, medical and family history, blood biomarkers, dietary intake, physical activity, sleep, eating behaviors, quality of life and sociodemographic variables. Weight status at baseline was classified using IOTF criteria. Adult BMI was classified using World Health Organization criteria. To date, 557 participants have completed follow-up (79.1% acceptance rate); 316 completed telephone interviews and 241 completed face-to-face evaluations (mean age 25.5 ± 0.9 years; BMI 25.1 ± 3.8 kg/m²). Preliminary findings indicate strong BMI tracking. Among children with normal weight at baseline, 68% remained with normal weight in adulthood, 31% transitioned to overweight and 1% to obesity. Among those with obesity at baseline, 46% remained with obesity and 54% transitioned to overweight; none transitioned to normal weight.

Summary

BMI tracks strongly from preadolescence to early adulthood, with individuals with overweight or obesity in preadolescence retaining excess weight. As recruitment continues, this longitudinal cohort will elucidate determinants of weight status transitions and CM risk in early adulthood.