Meng R, Yu C, Guo Y, et al. - Researchers undertook this investigation in participants (n = 92,284, aged 39–51 years) from China Kadoorie Biobank born around the famine period and without major chronic diseases at baseline, to comprehensively explore the potential influences of prenatal experience of the Chinese Great Famine on risks of chronic disease (cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory system disease) in the middle age. Participants were observed for a median duration of 10.1 years. In the entire study sample, no statistical link of prenatal famine exposure with the risks of developing any chronic diseases in adulthood was found. A higher risk of cerebrovascular disease was observed for famine births vs non-famine births for urban participants; no such links were identified for rural participants. Participants with lower physical activity levels demonstrated the links of prenatal famine exposure with ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease but such links were not seen in those with higher ones. A possible link was suggested between prenatal exposure to the Chinese famine and an increased cardiovascular risk. Adult lifestyle may alter such risk.