Early 20s Research Articles

Cerebrovascular disease emerges with age and Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome

Adults with Down syndrome have a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and evidence of cerebrovascular disease across the AD continuum, despite few systemic vascular risk factors. The onset and progression of AD in Down syndrome is highly age-dependent, but it is unknown at what age cerebrovascular disease emerges and what factors influence its severity. In the Alzheimer’s Biomarker Consortium-Down Syndrome study (ABC-DS; n = 242; age = 25–72), we estimated the age inflection point at which MRI-based white matter hyperintensities (WMH), enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS), microbleeds, and infarcts emerge in relation to demographic data, risk factors, amyloid and tau, and AD diagnosis. Enlarged PVS and infarcts appear to develop in the early 30s, while microbleeds, WMH, amyloid, and tau emerge in the mid to late 30s. Age-residualized WMH were higher in women, in individuals with dementia, and with lower body mass index. Participants with hypertension and APOE-ε4 had higher age-residualized PVS and microbleeds, respectively. Lifespan trajectories demonstrate a dramatic cerebrovascular profile in adults with Down syndrome that appears to evolve developmentally in parallel with AD pathophysiology approximately two decades prior to dementia symptoms.

Temporal Course of Interference Control from Early to Late Young Adulthood: An ERP Study.

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the neural dynamics of interference control using event-related potentials (ERPs) to reveal time course of interference control from the beginning to the end of young adulthood. Three groups of participants aged 19-21, 23-27 and 28-44 performed a Stroop task. The results revealed age differences in both accuracy and ERP amplitudes during all aspects of interreference control processing that reflect selective attention (P2), conflict monitoring (N2), conflict evaluation (P3) and interference control (N450). Both younger groups made more errors on incongruent trials compared to participants in their early 30s. The presence of higher P2 and N2 amplitudes, diminished P3 and again higher N450 amplitudes in participants in their early 20s points to a shortage of available resources for top-down control at this age. These results are in accordance with structural and functional studies that show that development of the frontoparietal network, which underlies interference control, continues after adolescence. While brain mechanisms are still developing, the use of accompanying cognitive abilities is still not optimal. The findings that change in neural dynamics and related performance continues into early adulthood challenge current models of cognitive development and call for new directions in developmental theorizing.

Slow to launch: Young men's parental coresidence and employment outcomes

AbstractObjectiveThe authors investigate the potential early career consequences of parental coresidence for young men and whether they vary by duration of coresidence.BackgroundYoung adult coresidence with parents is becoming more common, particularly since the Great Recession and the recent pandemic. Although many studies have investigated the factors that predict coresidence, few examine the consequences. Some prior research suggests that coresidence may directly reduce career opportunities and indirectly shape employment through its effects on mental health and family formation. Yet, the consequences may be milder if coresidence is short‐term.MethodUsing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, the authors examine the associations between parental coresidence after the age of 24 and employment status (n = 3915) and occupational standing (n = 3613) for young men in their early 30s in the United States. They explore how this association varies by the duration of coresidence, testing several model specifications and controlling for factors that select young men into parental coresidence.ResultsShort‐term coresidence of about 1 year is marginally associated with an improved likelihood of full‐time employment, but longer‐term parental coresidence of 4 to 6 years is negatively associated with occupational standing.ConclusionParental coresidence may be beneficial for young men in their peak ages of career growth if it is only for a few years. However, just as long‐term unemployment can have a scarring effect on employment outcomes, long‐term parental coresidence might negatively impact career growth.

Hemiplegic Migraines Exacerbated using an Injectable GLP-1 Agonist for Weight Loss.

The widespread adoption of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and diabetes has raised concerns about their potential adverse effects, including the induction of depression and suicide ideation. We report on a male patient in his early 50s with a complex medical history, including adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder, narcolepsy with cataplexy, and major depressive disorder in remission, who experienced exacerbated hemiplegic migraines after initiating treatment with an injectable GLP-1 agonist (Saxenda) for weight loss. Despite a previous history of experiencing hemiplegic migraines once or twice a year, the patient reported daily occurrences of migraines, many of which were hemiplegic, during the 60 days of GLP-1 agonist treatment. The migraines abated only upon discontinuation of the medication. This case underscores the need to carefully consider patient history and potential genetic predispositions when prescribing GLP-1 agonists, highlighting the complex interactions between these medications, existing comorbidities, and the dopaminergic and calcitonin gene-related peptide pathways. Our findings suggest that GLP-1 agonists, while beneficial for some, may pose significant risks for patients with specific genetic backgrounds or neurological conditions, calling for personalized approaches to treatment and increased awareness of potential adverse effects.

Hirschsprung’s disease in adulthood: a case report

Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is caused by a gut development anomaly that leads to functional constipation. In most cases, HD is diagnosed and treated during childhood. Abdominal pain, distension and chronic constipation are typical symptoms of adult presentation. An adult HD case is presented, using analysis of electronic medical records and literature review for diagnostic and management insights. A man in his early 40s, with a history of chronic constipation since infancy, presented to the emergency department with an intestinal obstruction. Imaging tests revealed pronounced colonic dilation along with faecal loading. Following favourable progress, the patient was referred for outpatient investigation. Endoscopy revealed rectal scars with biopsy consistent with HD. A laparoscopic Duhamel-Martin procedure was performed in two stages. The postoperative period was uneventful. Adult HD is overlooked and misdiagnosed. Therefore, a high level of suspicion is needed to diagnose and avoid urgent surgeries, often with the need of colostomy and its particularities. When feasible, appropriate management by elective surgery should be the gold standard.

Incidence of Breast Cancer in Younger Women: A Canadian Trend Analysis.

Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) incidence is increasing globally. Age-specific BC incidence trend analyses are lacking for women under age 50 in Canada. In this study, we evaluate the incidence trends in breast cancer in women under age 50 in Canada and compare them with corresponding trends among women 50 to 54. Methods: BC case counts were obtained from the National Cancer Incidence Reporting System (1984-1991) and the Canadian Cancer Registry (1992-2019) both housed at Statistics Canada. Population data were also obtained from Statistics Canada. Annual female BC age-specific incidence rates from 1984 to 2019 were derived for the following age groups: 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, and 50 to 54. Changes in trends in age-specific BC incidence rates, if any, and annual percent changes (APCs) for each identified trend, were determined using JoinPoint. Results: Statistically significant increasing trends in BC incidence rates were noted for almost all age groups: since 2001 for 20 to 29 (APC = 3.06%, P < .001); since 2009 for 30 to 39 (APC = 1.25%, P = .007); since 1984 for both 40 to 49 (APC = 0.26%, P < .001) and 40 to 44 (APC = 0.19%, P = .011), increased since 2015 for 40 to 49 (APC = 0.77%, P = .047); and since 2005 for 50 to 54 (APC = 0.38%, P = .022). Among women 45 to 49 there was a non-significant increase since 2005 (APC = 0.24, P = .058). Statistically significant average annualized increases in BC incidence rates were observed for each age group studied. Conclusions: Examining age-specific incidence rates formed a more complete picture of BC time trends with significant increasing trends in the incidence of BC among women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and early 50s. A greater awareness regarding the increasing number of cases of BC in women younger than 50 is critical to allow for earlier diagnosis with its resultant reduced mortality and morbidity.

Prostate Cancer Foundation Screening Guidelines for Black Men in the United States

BackgroundIn the United States, Black men are at highest risk for being diagnosed with and dying from prostate cancer. Given this disparity, we examined relevant data to establish clinical prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening guidelines for Black men in the United States.MethodsA comprehensive literature search identified 1848 unique publications for screening. Of those screened, 287 studies were selected for full-text review, and 264 were considered relevant and form the basis for these guidelines. The numbers were reported according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.ResultsThree randomized controlled trials provided Level 1 evidence that regular PSA screening of men 50 to 74 years of age of average risk reduced metastasis and prostate cancer death at 16 to 22 years of follow-up. The best available evidence specifically for Black men comes from observational and modeling studies that consider age to obtain a baseline PSA, frequency of testing, and age when screening should end. Cohort studies suggest that discussions about baseline PSA testing between Black men and their clinicians should begin in the early 40s, and data from modeling studies indicate prostate cancer develops 3 to 9 years earlier in Black men compared with non-Black men. Lowering the age for baseline PSA testing to 40 to 45 years of age from 50 to 55 years of age, followed by regular screening until 70 years of age (informed by PSA values and health factors), could reduce prostate cancer mortality in Black men (approximately 30% relative risk reduction) without substantially increasing overdiagnosis.ConclusionsThese guidelines recommend that Black men should obtain information about PSA screening for prostate cancer. Among Black men who elect screening, baseline PSA testing should occur between ages 40 and 45. Depending on PSA value and health status, annual screening should be strongly considered. (Supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation.)

Encounters with Care in a Scottish Residential School in the 1980s

The meaning of care in residential child care is under-developed. It can often be represented through its absence, seen as offering at best basic physical tending but lacking emotional connection or warmth. At worst, residential care settings said to be institutionally abusive can be characterised as being antithetical to what we might imagine care should be. Residential schools and especially those run by religious orders attract particular opprobrium in this regard. In this article, I adopt a broadly autoethnographic approach to reflect on how boys (now men in their late 40s and early 50s) brought up in the 1980s in a Scottish residential school recall being cared for. The article uses Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition and its three pillars of love, rights and solidarity to group themes from how former pupils speak about their experiences of care. These accounts challenge the received narrative of such settings failing to offer care. The discussion reflects some ideas around care and about how we understand public care historically.

Childhood Violence, High School Academic Environment, and Adult Alcohol Use Among Latinas and Black Women: A Structural Equation Modeling Study.

Young Latinas and Black women drink less than women of other racial/ethnic groups but experience more alcohol-related problems in midlife. This study aims to identify modifiable factors to prevent adult onset of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in this population. Data were collected at six time points as part of the Harlem Longitudinal Development Study from 365 Latinas (47%) and Black (53%) women (mean age at time 1 = 14, standard deviation 1.3). Structural equation modeling was used to test hypothesized pathways from childhood physical and sexual abuse to AUD via depressive mood, anxiety disorders, and somatic complaints in the 20s. We also tested the moderation effect of the high school academic environment by including in the structural equation model two latent variable interaction terms between the school environment and each of the abuse variables. Childhood physical and sexual abuse was positively associated with depressive mood, anxiety disorders, and somatic complaints when participants were in the 20s. Depressive mood mediated childhood abuse and AUD when women were in the 30s. The high school academic environment attenuated the effect of physical, but not sexual abuse, on depressive mood (β = -0.59, B = -9.38, 95% CI [-14.00, -4.76]), anxiety symptoms (β = -0.61, B = -14.19, 95% CI [-21.76, -6.61]), appetite loss (β = -0.41, B = -10.52, 95% CI [-15.61, -5.42]), and sleeplessness (β = -0.50, B = -9.56, 95% CI [-13.95, -5.17]) in the early 20s. Our findings underscore the need to invest in early violence prevention interventions and in education to ensure equitable access to quality, academically oriented, and safe schools.

Case Report: Choroidal osteoma: Bone in the eye

We share a case of a 16-year-old girl who presented with blurring of vision in her left eye since 1 year, with fundus examination suggestive of choroidal osteoma. The detailed clinical, complimentary examinations, and multimodal imaging – fundus photo, optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescein angiography, and B-scan ultrasonography – of the case are discussed. Choroidal osteoma is a rare benign ossifying tumor of unknown etiology characterized by mature bone replacing choroid, more commonly unilateral and predominantly affecting young females, typically manifesting in the teenage years or in the early 20s. Although choroidal osteoma is a rare benign tumor, accurate diagnosis is important because it is similar to amelanotic choroidal melanoma and metastatic choroidal carcinoma which require treatment and it is important to keep patients under observation for early detection of treatable choroidal neovascularization and other complications.

Differences in the Efficiency of Cognitive Control across Young Adulthood: An ERP Perspective.

Young adulthood is a period of major life changes when everyday life becomes much more complex compared to adolescence. Such changes require highly efficient cognitive control. Developmental studies show that structural changes in the brain areas that support complex behavior continue into the early 20s. However, despite the fact that at the beginning of young adulthood, important behavioral and brain restructuring still occurs, most studies use broad age ranges for young adults (from 18 to 40 years of age) as a reference point for "adult" behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate age-related differences in the efficiency of cognitive control across young adulthood. In total, 107 individuals participated in this study and were divided into three age groups: 19-21, 23-26, and 28-44. We used a visual word categorization task to assess cognitive efficiency and event-related potentials (ERPs) to track events that take place from the stimulus onset until the actual behavioral response. We found age differences in both performance and amplitudes of the ERP components during the early stages of processing - P2 and N2. Our findings provide important evidence for the continuation of age-related changes in brain dynamics that underlie the efficiency of cognitive control even in the early 20s.

Funny climate activism? A collaborative storied analysis of young climate advocates’ digital activisms

Young people involved in climate justice activism engage in a range of tactics across entangled ‘online’ and ‘offline’ spaces. This article explores the affordances and ambivalences of humour in digital modes of contention for young people (aged 12–30) involved in climate justice activism. Four of the authors are 19–22 years old and involved in climate justice activist organising, and one author is a university-based researcher in her early 40s. Through a collaborative, intergenerational analysis of stories of hybrid digital climate activisms, we ask: what is the role of humour in young people’s varied activist repertoires? Thinking with the conceptual resources of adrienne maree brown’s Pleasure Activism, we pose three analytic provocations: (i) humour can amplify generational tensions; (ii) humour is entwined with individual and collective identity-work; and (iii) sometimes humour is ‘just a thing’ (that can also help with burnout). We collaboratively analyse how young people use humour to dissent, through lampooning hierarchical power structures and profit-driven systems, drawing attention to intersectional injustices, and joyfully expressing affinity and solidarity. At the same time, humour may exclude, offend, and reinforce existing divisions and injustices. Humour is an underappreciated feature of organising towards a more just world, even as the pleasurable and just outcomes of humour are not guaranteed. We argue for further attention to young people’s multimodal repertoires across hybrid spaces, and the multiplicity of feelings that accompany climate justice activisms.

Unraveling the physiology of the autonomic nervous system: An unlikely collaboration between Arturo Rosenblueth and Walter Cannon.

This article details the collaboration between Dr Walter B. Cannon (1871-1945) and Dr Arturo Rosenblueth (1900-1970) at the Department of Physiology at Harvard Medical School (HMS) in the 1930s-1940s. Cannon was a renowned physiologist whose Department of Physiology was home to scientists from around the globe. Rosenblueth joined the Department as a Research Fellow in 1930. Over the following 15 years, Rosenblueth and Cannon co-authored over 20 papers and one book. Rosenblueth ended his tenure at HMS as an assistant professor before returning to Mexico to head a newly created institute of physiology. This article draws from personal and professional correspondences between Cannon and Rosenblueth at HMS in the 1930s and early 40s. These letters, along with others from those at the Department of Physiology and the greater Harvard community paint a picture of the feeling towards Latin American scientists at that time. Finally, this brief survey illuminates some of the contributions of the many Latin American scholars who worked in the department during these years. The diverse backgrounds of these talented young scientists coupled with immense support from Cannon and Rosenblueth enabled remarkable discoveries and innovations in neurophysiology throughout the first half of the 20th century.

Optimizing Real-World Outcomes in High-Risk Relapsed/Refractory (r/r) FL with CAR-T Cell Therapy: A Vodcast and Case Example.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is often considered a chronic disease with frequent relapses, shortening both response duration and survival after every relapse. Selecting the most appropriate therapy at the right time within the treatment timeline is key to optimize outcomes. The aim of this vodcast, featuring Dr. Kai Hübel, is to outline the severity of FL by referring to a patient case as well as highlight chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells as an effective therapy in relapsed/refractory (r/r) FL. The patient was in their early 50s, diagnosed with FL in the early 2010s and presented with a third relapse. The patient complained of night sweats and fatigue but was still capable of self-care (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale 2). The patient received eight cycles of rituximab-cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisolone (R-CHOP), followed by irradiation and rituximab maintenance (first-line) and then received rituximab 4 × weekly, followed by rituximab maintenance (second-line). The patient relapsed during rituximab maintenance; the patient was rituximab refractory. The patient received six cycles of bendamustine/obinutuzumab followed by obinutuzumab maintenance. The patient relapsed during obinutuzumab maintenance, achieved a partial remission after irradiation and was switched to R/lenalidomide. Due to several high-risk features, CAR-T cell therapy was initiated. Dr. Hubel underlines how earlier treatment with CAR-T cell therapy would have been beneficial for this patient. Results of the ELARA trial as well as comparative studies have shown tisagenlecleucel to be more effective than standard of care in extensively pretreated r/r FL, including high-risk patients. In conclusion, CAR-T cell therapy is a promising therapy option for patients with multiply r/r FL. A vodcast feature is available for this article.

Accelerated MEN2A in homozygous RET carriers in the context of consanguinity.

Homozygous mutations, 2 identical gene versions (alleles), 1 from each biological parent, are exceptional. Clinical descriptions of affected families, comprising few carriers only, are scattered throughout the literature, hindering evidence generation. Included in this literature analysis were 5 RET families with ≥1 homozygous carrier and ≥3 heterozygous carriers per family. In consanguineous families with first-degree cousins, homozygotes presented with node-positive medullary thyroid cancer and pheochromocytoma in their mid-teens, whereas heterozygotes presented in their end-30s and early 40s. Homozygotes developed node-positive medullary thyroid cancer 27.4 years and pheochromocytoma 23 years earlier than heterozygotes. These age differences were smaller in the 15 families carrying founder mutation p.Leu666delinsAsnSer, whereas homozygotes developed node-positive medullary thyroid cancer in their mid-40s, 6 years earlier than heterozygotes in their early 50s. These results, limited in scope and size and modulated by extent of consanguinity, are consistent with moderate dose-response effects accelerating MEN2A development.

Error processing in young adulthood: Age-related differences in electrophysiology and behavioral performance.

The error-related negativity (ERN) and the error positivity (Pe) are electrophysiological components of error processing that develop throughout adolescence and into adulthood. As young people in their early 20s make many important life decisions, the inability to monitor and adapt behavior appropriately may interfere with their personal goals, such as educational or professional achievements. The aim of this study was to investigate age-related differences in error processing across young adulthood. Using electroencephalography and the go/no-go task, we examined behavioral (error rates, reaction times, posterror slowing [PES]) and event-related potential (ERN, Pe) indexes of error processing. Ninety-five participants were divided into three age groups: Early 20s (ages 19-21), Mid 20s (ages 23-26), and Early 30s (ages 28-44). At the beginning of the 20s, young adults still make impetuous errors and do not show PES afterward, contrary to young adults in their early 30s. Larger ERN and smaller Pe amplitude in Early 30s suggest that adult-like error processing results in early enhancement of effortful stimulus control mechanism (ERN) and the reduction in later response evaluation process (Pe). Our findings suggest that the response strategies, both behavioral and neurocognitive, which would assure stable performance resembling adult levels, may still not be reached in the early 20s. Well-timed interventions could help reduce the impact of these tendencies by introducing strategies that provide more efficient performance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Abducens Nerve Duplication: Novel Intraoperative and Radiographic Observation of a Rare Anatomical Variant

Abstract Objectives The abducens nerve has a long, serpentine subarachnoid course with complex topographical relationships, rendering abducens nerve palsy the most common ocular motor cranial nerve palsy in adults and second most common in pediatric patients, with anatomical variants reported in the literature. Preoperative awareness of abducens nerve variant anatomy may help prevent inadvertent intraoperative injury. Design This study is a case report with a review of the abducens nerve anatomy and variants. Setting The study setting included outpatient, inpatient, and operating room in the neurosurgery department of a quaternary referral center. Participants The study included a woman in her early 30s with a diagnosis of petrous meningioma. Main Outcome Measures In vivo documentation of a type 3 abducens nerve duplication was carried out. Results A left extended retrosigmoid craniotomy was recommended for the petroclival meningioma resection. Intraoperatively, a complete duplication of the left abducens cisternal segment was encountered and photographed. The left unilateral abducens nerve duplication was confirmed with postoperative volumetric magnetic resonance imaging using the FIESTA (fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition) sequence, revealing the union of the duplicated cisternal abducens nerves into a single trunk from Dorello's canal distally. Conclusions Abducens nerve variants are uncommon, and although reported in the setting of cadaveric dissection, in vivo documentation of them is limited. This case report of an in vivo type 3 abducens nerve duplication with intraoperative photographic and radiographic images highlights the need for clinical awareness to avoid inadvertent intraoperative injury.

Coexistence of Sickle Cell Thalassaemia with Overlapping Syndrome: A Case Report of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmune Hepatitis

This case report highlights a rare and unique occurrence: the simultaneous presence of sickle cell thalassaemia and overlapping syndrome, which involves systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune hepatitis. The coexistence of sickle cell disease with overlapping syndrome is exceptionally rare, with only a few documented cases in the literature, one of which involves sickle cell β-thalassaemia. Significantly, this case enhances understanding of the intricate relationship among these conditions, and offers valuable perspectives on how to clinically manage them. The authors present the case of a young male in his early 20s, who presented with haemolytic anaemia, jaundice, joint pain, and hepatomegaly. Extensive laboratory investigations, including serological markers, haemoglobin electrophoresis, and liver function tests, confirmed the coexistence of sickle cell thalassaemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and autoimmune hepatitis. The treatment included O2 therapy, hydration, hydroxyurea, and antibiotics. After 4–5 days, the patient showed improvement, and at discharge, hydroxyurea and folic acid were continued. Significantly, considering the complex medical history of the patient, a decision was made to include a carefully considered, low-dose steroid regimen. The choice of a maintenance dose over an induction therapy was specifically made to mitigate potential complications, particularly the risk of vaso-occlusive crises in patients with sickle cell disease. This case report contributes to the understanding of concurrent manifestation of these complex conditions, and emphasises the importance of a comprehensive approach, early diagnosis, and timely management, to optimise patient outcomes in such intricate overlapping syndromes.

MANAGEMENT OF INFERTILITY DUE TO ADENOMYOSIS AND OVARIAN ENDOMETRIOMA (MAMSADUSHTIJANYA GARBHASHYA VIKARA) BY AYURVEDIC REGIME: A CASE REPORT

Adenomyosis, also known as endometriosis interna, has been associated with multiparity, but currently, adenomyosis is diagnosed with increasing frequency in infertile patients since women delay their first pregnancy until their late 30s or early 40s. The prevalence of adenomyosis is 9% in healthy individuals, but in the case of those who have endometriosis, the prevalence is 70%. Ovarian endometrioma is the most common form of endometriosis; although most endometriomas are benign, some may undergo malignant changes. Here is a case study of a 30-years-old female patient residing in Jaipur who consulted in OPD of the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) Jaipur on 23-3-22 with the chief complaint of being unable to conceive for 4 years and associated complaint of pain in lower abdomen during menses in the last 3 years. Her sonography findings were suggestive of endometriosis stage-4 with adenomyosis and left ovarian endometrioma (6.6 cm). The patient was treated with yoga basti (Anuvasana basti with Triphaladi taila and aasthapana basti with lekhaniya mahakashaya) for 5 cycles, uttara basti with Apamarga kshara taila for 3 cycles and Rasanadi ksheerpaka. The patient missed her period on 8-1-23 and did her urine pregnancy test on 13-1-23, which was found to be positive. From this case study, it is concluded that yoga basti with lekhaniya mahakashya and Triphaladi Taila and uttara basti with Apamarga kshara taila are effective in treating infertility due to adenomyosis (Mamsadushti janya garbhashaya vikara).

Men's physical health and life history transitions in the Philippines: Evidence for ‘marital selection’ but not protective effects of partnering and fatherhood

In Euro-American societies, married people typically have lower overall risks for total mortality and for certain chronic conditions compared to non-married people. However, people becoming partnered and parents also tend to gain weight in Euro-American settings. Few studies have tested whether links between physical health and life history status translate to other cultural contexts where the socio-ecological dynamics of family life may differ. This limits the application of these insights to men's well-being in global public health. To help address this gap, we drew on a large, long-running birth cohort study of Filipino men, using data collected at three waves between 2005 and 2014 when men were 21.5–30.5 years old (N = 607, obs. = 1760). We tested for the effects of the transition to partnering (marriage/cohabitation) and fatherhood on men's physical health (waist circumference, fat-free mass index, and grip strength). Men becoming partnered or partnered fathers (P/PF) had comparable longitudinal physical health trajectories to men remaining single non-fathers. However, men who became P/PF by their mid 20s had higher fat-free mass index values than single non-fathers at each wave, with the largest effect observed when all men were single non-fathers at baseline. Men who became P/PF by their early 30s were also stronger than the reference group at baseline. Thus, men who were more muscular and stronger at baseline were more likely to transition to P/PF status, consistent with a ‘marital selection’ model. In complementary analyses, men did not exhibit adverse health effects when they became partnered fathers as young adults or parents to infants, respectively. These findings suggest that links between health and life history transitions in this setting differ from those commonly observed in Euro-American societies. While transitions to marriage and fatherhood are promising windows for interventions to improve men's health, our results highlight the importance of tailoring such approaches to local dynamics.