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Malaga, Spain – New research to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) reveals a significant link between childhood overweight and obesity and an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood.
The study, conducted by Frida Richter and Professor Jennifer Lyn Baker of The Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital, and their colleagues, examined data from 276,747 Danish children born between 1930 and 1982. Researchers analyzed BMI trajectories from ages 6 to 15, categorizing them into five distinct groups: below-average, average, above-average, overweight, and obesity.
Following these individuals from 1977 to 2022, the study identified COPD diagnoses from age 40 onward. The findings revealed a clear correlation between elevated childhood BMI and increased COPD risk.
For women, compared to those with an average childhood BMI trajectory, the risk of COPD was:
- 10% higher for those with an above-average trajectory.
- 26% higher for those with an overweight trajectory.
- 65% higher for those with an obesity trajectory.
Similarly, for men, the risk was:
- 7% higher for those with an above-average trajectory.
- 16% higher for those with an overweight trajectory.
- 40% higher for those with an obesity trajectory.
Interestingly, women with a below-average childhood BMI trajectory showed a 9% lower risk of COPD compared to those with an average trajectory.
“Having a BMI trajectory above average in childhood may increase the risk of subsequent COPD. Thus, our results suggest that overweight during this early period of life is an indicator of risk for the development of COPD,” the authors concluded.
The researchers acknowledged potential confounding factors, such as parental smoking and socioeconomic status, which were not measured in the study. However, they noted that the consistent effect across various birth cohorts suggests that childhood overweight and obesity are likely independent risk indicators for adult COPD.
The study highlights the importance of addressing childhood obesity to mitigate the risk of developing COPD later in life.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by the European Association for the Study of Obesity and presents findings from a study to be presented at ECO 2025. This research is preliminary and has not yet been peer-reviewed. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish definitive causal links. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical advice. Individuals with concerns about their health should consult with a healthcare professional.
