Sex and race define the effects of adverse childhood experiences on self-reported BMI and metabolic health biomarkers

Abstract

Highlights This study shows the effects of ACEs in a cohort with a unique multiracial composition and enough power to evaluate these effects in underrepresented populations. Body adiposity is strongly associated with cumulative ACEs in women regardless of race. Only Black men displayed a negative correlation between cumulative ACEs and body adiposity. However, Black individuals showed an increased waist circumference with physical abuse suggesting an effect of ACEs on increased central adiposity and metabolic risk in this population. Specific adverse experiences seem to alter metabolic biomarkers with a unique signature depending on sex or race. Further investigation of these associations is critical to developing a more effective preventive and personalized medicine to reduce health disparities.

Keywords

• ACE
• BMI
• Waist circumference
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Sex