Background:

Several case-control and prospective cohort studies have shown that obesity [body mass index (BMI), ≥30 kg/m²] is associated with elevated risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This study aims to examine mortality trends and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) associated with high BMI in NHL; globally, in Western Europe, and within the United States (US) over the period of 1991 to 2021.

Methods:

Data from the Global Burden of Disease database, based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) version 10, were utilized. ICD code C85.9. was used to extract data for NHL patients. We extracted age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and DALY per 100,000 population (with 95% confidence intervals) separately for both sexes, considering high BMI as a risk factor for NHL in the US, Western Europe, and globally from 1991 to 2021. Trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression.

Results:

The US has a significantly higher ASMR compared to Western Europe (0.36, 95% CI- 0.12- 0.62 vs. 0.22, 95% CI 0.07- 0.339) and globally (0.36, 95% CI- 0.12- 0.62 vs. 0.15, 95% CI- 0.05- 0.26) for NHL patients with high BMI. Globally, ASMR showed a modest increase of 7.14% (0.14 to 0.15) from 1991 to 2021. In the US, ASMR decreased by 16.28% (0.43 to 0.36), while there was no significant change in Europe. The US also has a significantly higher DALY compared to Europe (8.78, 95% CI- 2.87- 14.92 vs. 5.47, 95% CI- 1.82- 9.53 in 2021) and globally (8.78, 95% CI- 2.87- 14.92 vs. 4, 95% CI- 1.33- 6.90 in 2021). From 1991 to 2021, DALYs witnessed a 13.31% increase globally (3.53 to 4.00), with the US showing a decrease of 26.59% (11.96 to 8.78) and Europe showing a decrease of 7.29% (5.90 to 5.47).

Sex-specific data indicated that globally, male ASMR due to high BMI-related NHL increased by 20% (0.15 to 0.18) and female ASMR by 10.15% (0.12 to 0.13). In the United States, male ASMR decreased by 11.54% (0.52 to 0.46) while female ASMR decreased by 14.69% (0.36 to 0.28). Western Europe saw no significant change in ASMR for males and females over the years. Globally, DALYs increased by 54.50% for males and 55.89% for females over the study period. In the US, DALYs increased by 5.68% in males and decreased by 3.18% in females.

Conclusion:

This study highlights significant regional differences in NHL mortality and DALY burden related to high BMI. The US shows a decreasing trend in ASMR and DALY despite global increases. However, it is to be noted that the US still has higher ASMR and DALY compared to Europe and global average. The significant disparity in ASMR and DALY between the US, Europe, and globally underscores the need for tailored public health strategies to address obesity-related NHL risks.

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

This content is only available as a PDF.
2024
Sign in via your Institution