The Independent Contribution of Body Mass Index and Sex to Blood Pressure Variance in a Large Cohort of Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Taranjot Kour *
Physiology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, India.
Poonam Kalsi
Physiology, Government Medical College, Kathua, India.
Abid Manzoor
Physiology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Hypertension and obesity are increasingly reported in young adults, particularly in rural India. Early assessment of cardiometabolic markers is essential for prevention.
Aim: To evaluate anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and muscle strength in rural young adults and examine sex-based differences and BMI–BP associations.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among rural young adults. Height, weight, BMI, BP indices (SBP, DBP, MAP, pulse pressure), and hand-grip strength were recorded. BP categories were assigned using standard guidelines. Correlation and regression analyses assessed relationships between BMI, sex, and BP.
Results: Males had higher BP and grip strength despite similar BMI. Nearly half were pre-hypertensive and ~30% hypertensive, with greater prevalence in males. BMI correlated positively with SBP, DBP, and MAP. Regression showed BMI and male sex as independent predictors of BP.
Conclusion: Young adults in rural communities show early signs of elevated BP, strongly associated with BMI and sex. Early screening and lifestyle-focused preventive strategies are essential to reduce future cardiovascular risk.
Keywords: Rural youth, blood pressure, BMI, grip strength, cardiovascular risk