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- Title
Overweight and blood pressure: results from the examination of a selected group of adolescents in northern Italy.
- Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate blood pressure (BP) levels and their relationship with different indices of body fat in a group of adolescents, in order to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension and plan preventive and corrective strategies.DesignCross-sectional study in primary care.SettingAll high schools in the Aosta Valley region, northern Italy.SubjectsFive hundred and thirty-two adolescents of both sexes, aged 15?4 (standard deviation 0?7) years. The following parameters were measured: body weight, body height, body mass index (BMI), four skinfold thicknesses, body fat mass, waist and hip circumferences and BP.ResultsBMI data indicated a high prevalence of overweight subjects in both sexes, but higher in males, while the prevalence rate of obese adolescents was lower. Of the total, 11?8 % of subjects suffered from systolic hypertension, while 6?9 % suffered from diastolic hypertension. In linear correlation analysis, BMI and all adiposity indices, except waist:hip ratio, were found to be significantly associated (Pranging between 0?05 and 0?001) with both systolic BP and diastolic BP in both sexes, with rranging between 0?152 and 0?359. Multiple regression analysis with the stepwise method showed BMI and body fat mass to have the strongest association (P< 0?001) with BP, with rranging between 0?275 and 0?359.ConclusionUnless reversed, these conditions are worrying and predict the possible development of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. There is a pressing need to develop a comprehensive medical and nutrition plan, together with preventive and corrective strategies, in school programmes.
- Subjects
OVERWEIGHT children; OVERWEIGHT persons; BLOOD circulation disorders; SCHOOL food
- Publication
Public Health Nutrition, 2008, Vol 11, Issue 9, p905
- ISSN
1368-9800
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1017/S1368980007001255