Adverse Childhood Experiences and Risk of Abnormal Body Mass Index: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sohrab Amiri, Nailah Mahmood, Rahemeen Yusuf, Nadirah Ghenimi, Syed Fahad Javaid, Moien A.B. Khan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

(1) Objectives: The impact of abnormal body mass index (BMI) on health is extensive, and various risk factors contribute to its effects. This study aimed to examine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and BMI categories, including underweight, overweight, obesity, severe obesity, and morbid obesity; (2) Methods: Three databases were searched: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Manual searches were conducted using Google Scholar and ResearchGate. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between ACEs and BMI. A random-effects model was used to combine the ORs and CIs across studies; (3) Results: This meta-analysis included 71 studies. The pooled ORs for the relationship between ACEs and obesity was 1.42 (95% CI: 1.24–1.63, Z = 4.96, p < 0.001), indicating a significant association. ACEs showed a positive association with overweight (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06–1.27, Z = 3.24, p = 0.001). Specifically, ACEs ≥ 4 were strongly associated with obesity (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.27–3.36, Z = 2.90, p = 0.004). Sexual abuse was also found to be significantly associated with obesity (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.29–1.65, Z = 5.98, p < 0.001); (4) Conclusion: This study finds that individuals who have experienced ACEs are more likely to have a higher BMI in adulthood. Therefore, ACEs should be considered a factor associated with abnormal BMI.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1015
JournalChildren
Volume11
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • adverse childhood experiences
  • body mass index
  • meta-analysis
  • obesity
  • overweight
  • systematic review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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