Monica Umapathy
Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, India
Title: Relationship between adolescent obesity and elevated blood pressure: A cross sectional study
Biography
Biography: Monica Umapathy
Abstract
Objectives: Obesity has become an increasingly important medical problem in children’s and adolescents. To describe the prevalence of elevated blood pressure relating adolescent obesity, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between adolescent obesity and elevated blood pressure among the children.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was approved by Institutional ethical and Research committee. A total of 3400 students ranging from age group 13 to 17 years were involved in the study, out of which 2769 students consented to participate. The students were asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire. Parameters including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) were recorded. The results were tabulated and analyzed.
Results: Obese children are at approximately a three-fold higher risk for hypertension than non-obese children. Statistically significant result was noted. Higher the adolescent BMI, higher the chance of elevated blood pressure among children.
Conclusion: Obesity in childhood should be considered a chronic medical condition that is likely to require long-term management. Ultimately, prevention of obesity relating to elevated blood pressure is the goal. We conclude that the risk of developing adolescent obesity is associated with the elevated blood pressure. We strongly encourage on the primary care to discuss the healthy lifestyle changes and consequences of obesity in children between 13 to 17 years of age to prevent the later consequence.