Obesity in your 20s may raise early death risk by 70%, with long-term health effects linked to prolonged exposure to excess body fat.
A new study has revealed that becoming obese in your 20s may significantly increase the risk of early death, with researchers linking early-onset obesity to a 70 percent higher likelihood of premature mortality.
The research, carried out by scientists at Lund University in Sweden, examined health data from about 620,000 individuals aged between 17 and 60.
Participants had their body weight recorded at least three different times, allowing researchers to track changes over time and assess long-term health outcomes.
According to the findings, the timing of obesity plays a more critical role than the total amount of weight gained. Individuals who became obese earlier in life were exposed for longer periods to the harmful effects of excess body fat. This prolonged exposure places increased pressure on vital organs, including the liver, and strains blood vessels while disrupting metabolic processes—factors that collectively heighten the risk of chronic illnesses.
The study also uncovered notable differences between men and women in relation to cancer risks.
For men, gaining excess weight at a younger age was strongly associated with a higher risk of cancer-related death. In contrast, women faced an elevated cancer mortality risk regardless of when weight gain occurred. Researchers suggested that hormonal changes, particularly around menopause, may further amplify these risks in women, as body fat can influence hormone levels.
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Overall, the findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight early in life, as the long-term health consequences of early obesity may be more severe than previously understood.
