Associations of Weight Gain From Early to Middle Adulthood With Major Health Outcomes Later in Life

Data describing the effects of weight gain across adulthood on overall health are important for weight control.

To examine the association of weight gain from early to middle adulthood with health outcomes later in life. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cohort analysis of US women from the Nurses' Health Study (1976-June 30, 2012) and US men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986-January 31, 2012) who recalled weight during early adulthood (at age of 18 years in women; 21 years in men), and reported current weight during middle adulthood (at age of 55 years). EXPOSURES: Weight change from early to middle adulthood (age of 18 or 21 years to age of 55 years). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Beginning at the age of 55 years, participants were followed up to the incident disease outcomes. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and death were confirmed by medical records or the National Death Index. A composite healthy aging outcome was defined as being free of 11 chronic diseases and major cognitive or physical impairment.