Life-course socioeconomic status and obesity: scoping review

OBJECTIF: The life-course approach is believed to enhance our understanding of the intricate links between life-course socioeconomic status and obesity. In this scoping review, we delve into the literature that examines the links between life-course socioeconomic status and obesity and aim to characterize the life-course approach that was used. METHODS: Our search strategy was based on the PRISMA checklist and was performed using three databases: Medline (PubMed), GeoBase (Embase), and Web of Science. We focused on studies that identify life-course socioeconomic and built environment indicators and associate them with body weight status indicators. RESULTS: Using stringent inclusion criteria, we identified 52 relevant studies. Our analysis identified three main methodological strategies for studying the influence of life-course socioeconomic status on obesity. The main methodological approaches identified that characterize life-course approach are: 1) sensitive periods, 2) social mobility, or 3) risk accumulation. We found that low socioeconomic status in childhood, adulthood, or late adulthood; a disadvantaged socioeconomic trajectory; and cumulative exposure to socioeconomic disadvantages throughout the life-course increased the risk of obesity. Notably, the association between life-course socioeconomic status and obesity was significantly stronger for women in 56% of the studies. CONCLUSION: The social inequalities in obesity observed today are the outcome of socioeconomic inequalities accumulated over the life course. 56% of studies show that the influence of life-course socioeconomic status on socioeconomic inequalities in obesity is even stronger in women. Policymakers should prioritize specific interventions aimed at reducing socioeconomic disparities in obesity, particularly among women.