Life style effects on hypertension and obesity in adolescents

ABSTRACT

Background: Studies based on effects of lifestyle on hypertension and obesity in adolescent age group are lacking in India. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of lifestyle associated risk factors in school going adolescents of Kendriya Vidyalaya in district Firozabad and their effects on hypertension and obesity.Methods: The study was carried out among 200 students of classes 9th and 11th in the age group of 13 to 17 years. Students were given a pre-designed questionnaire and feedback was taken about dietary practices and physical activity along with family history of hypertension and obesity. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure was measured in all children. Effects of lifestyle associated risk factors were determined on obesity and hypertension.Results: The study documents that inappropriate dietary practices (fast food consumption, low fruit intake) and less physical activity were strongly associated with high prevalence of obesity and hypertension in the adolescents. The study also showed that adolescents with positive family history of obesity and/or hypertension are also at higher risk. There was a positive correlation between high BMI and hypertension.Conclusions: School based interventions are required to educate the adolescent children about lifestyle modifications to reduce the morbidity associated with non-communicable diseases.