ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN YOUNG ADULTS
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Keywords
body mass index; blood pressure; hypertension; young adults; overweight; obesity; cardiovascular risk; systolic blood pressure; diastolic blood pressure.
Abstract
Background: Obesity is an established risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Increasing body mass index (BMI) among young adults may contribute to early elevation of blood pressure, predisposing individuals to long-term cardiovascular complications. Aim: To evaluate the association between body mass index and blood pressure and to determine the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and hypertension among young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 262 young adults aged 18–26 years, including 131 males and 131 females. Anthropometric measurements including height and weight were recorded, and BMI was calculated. Blood pressure parameters including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured using standard procedures. BMI categories and blood pressure classifications were determined according to standard criteria. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between BMI and blood pressure. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.88 ± 2.53 years. Males had significantly higher mean BMI (24.15 ± 2.80 kg/m²) compared to females (22.61 ± 8.15 kg/m²; p = 0.010). Mean SBP and DBP were significantly higher in males (123.20 ± 9.19 mmHg and 79.21 ± 5.89 mmHg) compared to females (116.21 ± 8.29 mmHg and 74.53 ± 5.47 mmHg; p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 25.2%, while 7.58% of participants were hypertensive. BMI showed a significant positive correlation with SBP (r = 0.45, p < 0.001) and DBP (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Gender-wise analysis demonstrated stronger correlations in males (SBP r = 0.705; DBP r = 0.719; p < 0.001) compared to females (SBP r = 0.176; DBP r = 0.178; p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that for every 1 kg/m² increase in BMI, SBP increased by 1.2 mmHg and DBP increased by 0.8 mmHg (p < 0.001). Conclusion: BMI is significantly associated with elevated blood pressure among young adults, with stronger effects observed in males. A considerable proportion of participants were overweight or hypertensive, indicating early cardiovascular risk. Early identification and lifestyle interventions targeting weight management may help reduce future hypertension burden in this population.
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Dr. Vanita Sharma
Professor and HOD, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Jammu, India (mail id:
Dr. Shazia
Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Jammu, India (mail id:
Dr. Nishesh Singh Kotwal
Senior Resident, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Doda, India (mail id:
Dr. Henna Bashir
Senior Resident, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Srinagar, India (mail
