Abstract:

Overweight and obesity are recognized as an “escalating epidemic” affecting both developed and developing countries. WHO has declared obesity as a disease of pandemic significance Objectives To assess the relationship of obesity indices with blood pressure and blood glucose level among young adult medical students.

Materials and methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted in department of Physiology, J N Medical College, Belgaum from January 2009 to December 2009, with a sample size of 427 young adult medical students aged 17 – 20 years. Obesity indices measured were BMI, WC, WHpR and WHtR using standard protocol. Blood pressure and fasting blood glucose levels were measured using standard techniques. Data analysis was done using unpaired ‘t’ test to compare the mean of two groups. Chi-square test was used to compare the rates of different groups. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05 level. ‘F’ test (ANOVA) was used to compare means of more than two groups followed by Bonferroni multiple comparison test.

Results: The results of the present study revealed a significant correlation of BMI with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. WC and WHtR were significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure among males while there was statistically significant correlation between WHpR and systolic blood pressure among females.

Conclusion: Results of present study reveal the increased risk of development of hypertension in young adult age group at an earlier age. Hence, it’s necessary for implementing an effective prevention and health promotion programs targeted towards young adult age group.

Key words: Blood Pressure, BMI, Fasting blood sugar, WC, WHpR, WHtR.

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