Longitudinal Changes in Cardiovascular Health Among Young Adults With Overweight and Obesity

Background: It is essential to understand factors influencing young adult cardiovascular health (CVH) to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Objective: Evaluate longitudinal changes in CVH among young adults in a weight management intervention.

Methods: Life's Essential 8 (LE8) metrics were calculated for young adults with overweight and obesity enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (n = 459). Outcomes included LE8 total, LE8 behavior, LE8 health, and each LE8 metric. Linear mixed effects models evaluated associations between LE8 and intervention group and demographics and assessed longitudinal changes for 18 months.

Results: Although no composite LE8 scores changed over time, LE8 diet and blood glucose improved. Low socioeconomic status and non-White participants had lower scores for many LE8 metrics when controlling for time. A significant positive intervention effect on LE8 total was observed among those with baseline body mass index <27.5.

Conclusion: Identifying factors associated with LE8 in young adulthood can support CVH, prevent future disease, and minimize health disparities.