Body Mass Index and Weight Change as Predictors of Hypertension Development: A Sex-Specific Analysis

Background/Objectives: Obesity is associated with food intake, drinking, and nutrition. It is necessary to examine the association between body mass index (BMI), body weight changes, and the incidence of hypertension, focusing on potential sex differences. Methods: A retrospective two-point cohort study was conducted using data from the Japanese Specific Health Checkup program from 2011 to 2013. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to assess associations between BMI, weight change, and hypertension onset, adjusting for age, sex, and lifestyle factors, including smoking, drinking, and exercise. Results: In total, 397,181 participants were analyzed. A higher BMI was linked to a higher risk of hypertension, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.12) for both sexes. Women aged 40-65 showed higher ORs than men. Weight gain was associated with developing hypertension, with an OR (95% CI) of 1.09 (1.09-1.10) in men and 1.08 (1.07-1.08) in women. This association held across all BMI levels, even among individuals without obesity, with the effect being generally stronger in men. Conclusions: Both BMI and weight change contribute to the development of hypertension among the Japanese healthy population, with differences based on sex. Weight reduction may reduce the risk of hypertension for individuals with and without obesity, emphasizing the importance of weight stability through food and nutrition control, particularly for women.