THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHILDHOOD AND ADULT OBESITY AND HYPERTENSION ADULTHOOD: REGIONAL HEALTH 7, THAILAND

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are major contributors to chronic diseases, especially hypertension, which is a leading cause of death from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions globally. In Thailand, evidence linking childhood obesity to adult hypertension is limited. This retrospective cohort study in Regional Health 7 involved 5,110 adults aged ≥ 30 years without a prior hypertension diagnosis, who could recall their childhood weight status. Data on nutrition and health behaviors were obtained through questionnaires, while current anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were recorded. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with adult hypertension, with statistical significance set at p-value < 0.05.

Of the participants, 54.3% were female, with a mean age of 53.1±11.89 years. Childhood obesity was reported by 307 (6%) individuals, and 1,530 (29.9%) were currently obese. Participants who were obese in both childhood and adulthood had a 2.44-fold increased risk of hypertension (95% CI: 1.55–3.86). Those obese only in childhood had risk (2.43 times; 95% CI: 1.51–3.92), while those who became obese in adulthood had a 1.74-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.41–2.16), compared to individuals never obese. Insufficient vegetable intake and alcohol consumption were also significantly associated with hypertension.

These findings emphasize the cumulative impact of health risk behaviors over the life course. Childhood obesity, in particular, is associated with long-term health risks such as hypertension. Public health strategies should prioritize early obesity prevention and health promotion from childhood, supported by the development of lifelong personal health records for effective long-term monitoring.