Associations between body mass index, waist circumference and body shape index with resting blood pressure in Portuguese adolescents. (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duncan, Michael J.; Mota, Jorge; Vale, Susana; Santos, Maria Paula; Ribeiro, Jose Carlos
• Is Part Of: Annals of human biology. Volume 40:Number 2(2013:Mar./Apr.)
• Page Start: 163
• Page End: 167
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: Human biology -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.3109/03014460.2012.752861
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4460

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <italic>Background</italic>: Elevated blood pressure (BP) in childhood and adolescence is associated with overweight and obesity. Recently a body shape index (ABSI) has been suggested as superior to body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) and waist circumference (WC) as a measure of disease risk.</p> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To examine the association between ABSI, BMI, WC and BP in Portuguese adolescents and to consider the role of ABSI, BMI and WC when examining this issue in adolescents.</p> <p> <italic>Methods and procedures</italic>: Height, body mass, WC and resting blood pressure were assessed in 445 Portuguese adolescents (252 girls and 193 boys) aged 10–17 years.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: ABSI, BMI and WC were all significantly related to both SBP and DBP (all <italic>p</italic> = 0.001 or better). ABSI, BMI and WC were all significant predictors of SBP and DBP for the whole sample and when analysed in separate gender groups (<italic>p</italic> = 0.001 or better in all cases). However, in all cases ABSI was a better predictor of BP than BMI or WC.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Although BMI and WC significantly predict resting BP in adolescents, the use of ABSI explained a greater amount of the variance in BP in this population. When examining the effect of weight status on BP, researchers should consider use of ABSI alongside BMI.</p> </abstract>