Prevalence of Obesity and Its Relationship With Hypertension Among School-Going Adolescents Aged 12-16 Years

Childhood obesity is a significant health issue that has grown in prominence, particularly in developed countries. Primary hypertension has become the dominant cause, leading to an increased incidence of arterial hypertension. This study examined the associations between sex and obesity with hypertension (HTN). Understanding these associations can provide insights into the risk factors and potential preventive strategies for HTN.

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at private schools in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, for one year. Data analysis was performed on a cohort of participants who underwent health assessments, including blood pressure measurements, self-reported dietary habits, and socio-economic status information. Statistical analyses assessed the associations between sex, dietary habits, socio-economic status, and HTN.

There were 255 (51.0%) males and 245 (49%) females. Among the female participants, only two individuals (0.8%) had HTN, while among males, 11 individuals (4.3%) had HTN, indicating a significant association between sex and HTN (P=0.014). In terms of dietary habits, the prevalence of HTN was similar among non-vegetarians (2.5%) and vegetarians (3.1%), and the association was not statistically significant (P=0.777). Among the obese individuals in the study population, eight individuals (8.8%) had HTN, while the remaining 83 individuals (91.2%) did not have HTN, with a P-value of <0.0001, which indicates a significant association between HTN and obesity.

This study revealed a significant association between sex and HTN, with males exhibiting a higher prevalence of HTN than females. Furthermore, the study showed a significant association between obesity and hypertension, indicating that obese individuals were more likely to have HTN.