Vol. 1, Issue 2, Part A (2015)

Abstract
Background - Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents has increased markedly in the last two decades. Hypertension among adolescents is often unrecognized, under diagnosed and hence unmanaged. But limited data is available in India regarding the prevalence of both these health problems. rnObjectives – To find out the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and hypertension among adolescent school students in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. Methodology – A cross sectional school based study was done among 934 students aged 14-17 years studying Class IX to Class XII in selected four schools of Kancheepuram district. A pre tested questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the socio demographic details, diet pattern and physical activity. Height, weight and blood pressure were also measured.rnResults - Among the study population 124 (13.28%) were found to be overweight/ obese and 67 (7.17%) were identified as hypertensives. There was a significant positive correlation between Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure with age, height, weight and BMI in the study population. High BMI (P<0.001) and family history (P=0.03) were found to be significant risk factors for hypertension in the study population.rnrnConclusion - From the study results it was seen that both obesity and hypertension were prevalent among adolescents even in rural areas. Also, high BMI has a significant association with hypertension. To conclude, both obesity and hypertension have to be identified and managed from a younger age, so as to avoid major complications at a later stage..