The obesity and hypertension are the major risk factors of several life threatening diseases. Despite an increasing prevalence of obesity and hypertension in young age, there is limited information on the contribution of body mass index (BMI) to blood pressure in these populations, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of high blood pressure and the associated risk of obesity among adolescents. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted during January to February 2014 in Piraziz, Giresun, including total 1,362 adolescents. Socio-demographic profile anthropometric and blood pressure readings were obtained. Weight, height and blood pressure (BP) were measured using standard methods. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and categorized by age, sex and percentile. Obesity and overweight were defined as: ≥ 95th and 85th to < 95th percentiles, respectively, for age, sex and height. Significance was set at P < 0.05. A total of 1,109 students (mean age 16,09 ±1,20 years), were assessed. The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension was 2,3% and 2,0% respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 15,4% and 16,7%, respectively. Blood pressure was associated with body mass index. In this study, obesity was an important risk factor for hypertension. The high prevalence of hypertension in overweight and obese children emphasizes the need for prevention and control of childhood obesity and hypertension in early stages. Early lifestyle modification and a strengthened school health are recommended.
Key words: Adolescent, hypertension, prehypertension, obesity
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