Correlation between body mass index and blood pressure indices in under weight, normal weight and over weight adolescents.

Dr.P.Rajeswari; Dr.S.Ameerunnisa Begum; Dr.M.Janaki

Volume : V, Issue : II, February - 2015

Correlation between body mass index and blood pressure indices in under weight, normal weight and over weight adolescents.

Dr. P. Rajeswari, Dr. S. Ameerunnisa Begum, Dr. M. Janaki,

Abstract :

Background Overweight and obesity are disorders of energy balance affecting wide range of people belonging to diverse ethnic groups, age and socio–economic status. The present study is an endeavor to study the nutritional status in relation to the cardiovascular status of medical students joining the medical college. AIM OF THE STUDY To study the correlation between body mass index and blood pressure indices, in underweight, normal weight and overweight adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study for a period of one year from August 2007 to August 2008 was done in the department of physiology.149 subjects were taken up as sample in the study after they were informed of the nature of the study and then getting consent from them for inclusion in the study.The data is analyzed by the relevant statistical methods TOOLS USED: 1. Descriptive measures – Mean, Standard Deviation. 2. One–way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). 3. Tukey–Kramer’s Multiple comparison test. 4. Karl Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. RESULTS: Among 149 students 88 (59%) are male and 61 (41%) are female students. According to the BMI, the subjects were made into three groups – underweight, normal weight and overweight. 56 males (63%) and 32 females (52%) are of normal weight. 12 males (14%) and 17 females (28%) are of underweight. 20 males (23%) and 12 females (20%) are of overweight. The BMI, the Systolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Blood Pressure are normal in the normal weight subjects, where as low in underweight and high in over height and obese subjects in both males and females. CONCLUSION:Thus the problem of underweight, overweight and hypertension was observed amongst students joining the Medical College of Kurnool. These need to be addressed to prevent its sequelae.Advised exercise, modification of life style and dietary habits in overweight and obese students.Underweight students are advised to improve nutritional status by encouraging to take balanced food. Also advised regular health checkups to exclude iron deficiency and some of the chronic diseases like parasitic infestations etc