Trends in disease burden of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and hypertensive heart disease attributable to high BMI in China: 1990-2019.

Background: High body mass index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases; however, its impact on disease burden in China remains understudied. This study aimed to analyze trends in the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stroke, and hypertensive heart disease (HHD) attributable to high BMI in China from 1990 to 2019.

Methods: We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study, quantifying disease burden through years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to determine temporal trends.

Results: The study revealed distinct gender-specific temporal trends. Men exhibited a consistent increase in disease burden across all three conditions. Women showed more nuanced patterns: a gradual rise in T2DM burden, an inverted U-shaped trend for stroke, and a U-shaped trend for HHD in terms of age-standardized DALYs. Age-specific analysis demonstrated that the burden of T2DM and stroke peaked in the 70-74-year age group, whereas HHD-related DALYs continued to increase with advancing age.

Conclusions: Our findings underscore the need for tailored obesity prevention and management strategies in Chinese healthcare settings, emphasizing early screening and intervention for high BMI, particularly in middle-aged and older adults.