(OR23-05-23) Associations Between Household Nutrition Assistance and Weight Control Behaviors in Adolescence With Cardiovascular Health in Young Adulthood: Evidence From Add Health

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand associations between weight control behaviors (WCBs) and household Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation during adolescence with cardiometabolic outcomes during young adulthood.

Methods: We examined publicly available data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health cohort (Add Health; n=4,834). We used multivariable regressions to examine the relationship between WCBs at ages 12-19 years and cardiovascular health outcomes (blood pressure, waist circumference, BMI, and total cholesterol) at ages 24-32 years. We also evaluated participation in SNAP—a federal policy aimed at food insecurity—as a potential effect modifier. These relationships were then stratified by race and sex.

Results: Young adults who engaged in WCBs during adolescence had higher SBP [2.97 mmHg], DBP [1.34 mmHg], WC [9.79 cm], and BMI [4.73 points] than those who did not. Black and Latino young adults participating in WCBs earlier in life demonstrated cardiometabolic effects of greater magnitude than White young adults. There was a significant interaction between WCBs and receipt of SNAP benefits with select cardiometabolic health measures for young Black women, specifically.

Conclusions: Programs and policies should target not only food access but also WCBs among adolescents to reduce risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease later in life. This is especially true for racial and ethnic minorities and families with low income who have been previously overlooked in the WCB discourse.

Funding Sources: Dr. Hines was supported by funding from NHLBI and an AHA Career Development Award during the implementation of this work.