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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Overweight and Blood Pressure in Pre-Pubertal Children: A Longitudinal Study
Marcelo José Alves1, Wésley Torres2, Ana Elisa von Ah Morano3
1Department of Physical Education, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), São Paulo, Brazil.
Objective:
To analyze the longitudinal relationship between overweight and hypertension in school children.
Methods:
This cohort study enrolled children 6-8 years of age who were then prospectively followed up over a 24 months period with repeat assessments performed at an interval of 11-13 months. Information on participation in physical education classes in school, sports practice outside of school, and economic status were obtained through questionnaires answered by parents/guardians. The measurement of blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference was performed during the serial follow-up visits in school.
Results:
The proportion of hypertension did not change significantly over the 24 months (7.1% to 8.2%; P = 0.690). However, children with overweight and obesity throughout the period, had a 198% [HR (95% CI) 2.98 (1.40, 6.35)] higher risk of having hypertension diagnosed during follow-up when compared to eutrophic children in the same period.
Conclusion:
The development trajectory of overweight and obesity in children aged 6-8 years was associated with hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Longitudinal Studies
02:20Longitudinal Research
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.