The Body Mass Index (BMI) is increasing from generation to generation, with ethnicity and education level having the strongest influence on body weight. In the United States, over 70% of adults are overweight with a BMI over 25, which is concerning due to the health risks associated with obesity, including a higher risk of dementia. Researchers from the University of North Carolina have analyzed health data from four large US longitudinal studies of 65,000 participants between the ages of 11 and 107 to investigate how BMI develops over the lifespan and what trends exist across generations. The study found that the BMI of younger generations is higher on average compared to earlier generations, and it increases more rapidly. The maximum BMI is reached between the ages of 59 and 69, with a decline in weight due to illness and other factors after the age of 70.
The study also found that education level, both of the individual and their parents, has a significant impact on body weight. Higher education levels were associated with lower BMI values in all age groups. Ethnicity also plays a significant role, with Black and Hispanic individuals having higher BMI values earlier in life that persist throughout all age groups. This is mainly due to lower socio-economic status and potential discrimination, which can accelerate biological aging processes or lead to less healthy behaviors. The researchers suggest that prevention programs targeting young people should be implemented to address these disparities and prevent obesity from developing in critical time windows, such as adolescence and young adulthood.
In conclusion, the study highlights the concerning trend of increasing BMI across generations and the importance of addressing education and ethnicity-related disparities in body weight. The findings suggest that early prevention programs targeting young people could be effective in reducing the prevalence of obesity and associated health risks.
