Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, and Hypertension Risk: A Regression Analysis Among Adolescents in a North Indian City

Abstract

Adolescents who are overweight have a higher likelihood of becoming obese adults as they get older, which increases their risk of developing a variety of ailments. Growing the amount of physical activity among adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17 requires immediate attention, based on global trends for teens who participate in insufficient physical activity. The objective of the study was to test the relationship between BMI and blood pressure, as well as to provide recommendations for preventing adolescent hypertension. This cross sectional study was  conducted among 800 students between the ages of 12 and 14 years. It was found that the population's average BMI was 18.89± 3.9 kg/m². BMI and blood pressure were shown to be significantly correlated. For the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of teenagers in the study, a significant logistic regression was obtained (R² = 0.130, p 0.00), and (R²= 0.047, p 0.00), respectively. This is essential for early prevention due to the increase in non-communicable diseases, which can be achieved through IEC activities and raised awareness by children.