Prior research reveals that negative early-life experiences play a major role in the development of obesity in later life, but few studies identify mechanisms that alter the lifetime risk of obesity. This study examines the influence of negative childhood experiences on body mass index (BMI) and obesity (BMI ≥30) during older adulthood and the psychosocial and behavioral pathways involved. Using a nationally representative sample, we examine the influence of cumulative misfortune as well as five separate domains of misfortune on BMI and obesity. Results show that four of the five domains are associated with BMI and obesity either directly, indirectly, or both. The influence of cumulative misfortune on the outcomes is mediated by three adult factors: socioeconomic status, depressive symptoms, and physical activity. The mediators identified here provide targets for intervention among older adults to help offset the health risks of excess BMI attributable of early-life exposure to misfortune.

先前的研究表明，负面的早年经历在晚年肥胖的发展中起着重要作用，但很少有研究确定改变终生肥胖风险的机制。本研究调查了负面童年经历对成年期体重指数 (BMI) 和肥胖 (BMI ≥30) 的影响以及所涉及的心理社会和行为途径。使用具有全国代表性的样本，我们研究了累积不幸以及五个独立的不幸领域对 BMI 和肥胖的影响。结果表明，五个域中的四个域直接、间接或两者都与 BMI 和肥胖相关。累积不幸对结果的影响由三个成人因素介导：社会经济地位、抑郁症状和身体活动。