Adverse Childhood Experiences in Obesity and Hypertension Among Young Adults in Delhi-NCR, India

Objectives

Despite growing evidence linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with physical health conditions such as obesity and hypertension, research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India, remains limited. This study aims to examine the relationship between ACE exposure and the risk of overweight/obesity and hypertension among young adults in Delhi-NCR, India.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study involved 1702 young adults of both sexes. Participants were recruited from two universities in Delhi–NCR, India. ACEs were measured using the ACE-International questionnaire (ACE-IQ), while anthropometric (weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference) and blood pressure parameters were assessed using standard protocols.

Results

The prevalence of overweight/obesity increased with higher ACE categories, from 38% among participants with no ACEs to 49.7% among those with ≥ 4 ACEs (p = 0.006). Linear regression showed a significant positive association between ACE scores and BMI (β = 0.182, p = 0.004), waist circumference (WC; β = 0.351, p = 0.022), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR; β = 0.002, p = 0.026). Odds ratio analysis revealed that participants with 3 or more ACEs had increased odds of being overweight/obese compared to unexposed individuals. No consistent associations were found between ACE exposure and blood pressure parameters. Among specific ACE domains, household mental illness was associated with higher odds of both general and central obesity, and bullying showed the highest odds for overweight/obesity.

Conclusions

ACE-exposed young adults may be at a higher risk of overweight/obesity; however, the risk of hypertension may not be immediate. Early intervention may help offset the risk of obesity and related disorders among ACE-exposed youth.