Weight change after 20 years of age and the incidence of dyslipidemia: A cohort study of Japanese male workers

Background While heavier weight is known to increase the incidence of dyslipidemia, limited data are available on the relationship between weight gain and its development. Methods A total of 2647 males were categorized into the following four groups according to the difference between their self-reported weight at 20 years of age and their measured weight in 1994-95: a loss of 5% (decrease), loss of ,5% or gain of ,5% (no change), gain of 5 to ,15% (increase) and gain of 15% (sizable increase). They were followed up until their 2002-03 health examination. Using the 'no change' group as reference, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (adjusted for age, body mass index at 20 years of age, physical activity, smoking and alcohol intake) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the incidence of dyslipidemia were determined using logistic regression models. Results A total of 1342 participants developed dyslipidemia during the follow-up period. The 'increase' and 'sizable increase' groups had odds ratios for the incidence of dyslipidemia of 1.97 (95% CI, 1.59-2.45) and 2.68 (2.15-3.34), respectively, demonstrating that there was a significant dose-response association between weight gain since 20 years of age and the incidence of dyslipidemia (P, 0.001 for trend). Conclusion These results suggest that dyslipidemia could be prevented by avoiding weight gain in adulthood.