This study investigated if overweight, obesity and fat distribution would explain the relationship between growth and blood pressure increase. A representative sample of 2040 households from the city of Rio de Janeiro was assessed. Of 857 adolescents, with ages between 12 and 19 years, 86% were included in this study. Of these, 646 adolescents were evaluated for measurements such as weight, height, triceps and subescapular skinfolds, arm circumference, waist and hip circumferences, and blood pressure. The hypertension prevalence was higher in males, than females, according to the 95th percentile of the Second Task Force. Overweight prevalence was higher among males (22,9 ± 2,3) than among females (12,5 ± 1,9), considering the 90th percentile of the Body Mass Index (BMI - Kg/m²), from the Brazilian population. Anthropometric measurements were more correlated with systolic blood pressure than diastolic blood pressure, in both genders. After adjusting by age, BMI, and arm muscular area, the arm fat area remained significantly correlated with blood pressure. The overweight indicator variables were associated with blood pressure, especially in females, suggesting that weight control in youths is an important predictor of hypertension prevalence in adult life.
Surveys; Adolescence; Blood pressure; Body Mass Index; Obesity; Anthropometry
