The prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide has increased in the past several decades particularly in developed countries.¹ Childhood obesity is a known risk factor for persistent obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood, with associated higher rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and mortality. It was unknown whether the increased risk of CVD persisted in individuals who were obese as children but became nonobese by adulthood.

To assess whether risk of CVD is lower in overweight or obese children who become nonobese as adults as compared to those who remain obese.

Meta-analysis of data from 4 prospective cohort studies (2 US, 1 Australia, and 1 Finland) initiated between 1970 and 1988.