The association between obesity and blood pressure among adolescents in Dubai, UAE

Objective: To investigate the association between obesity and the risk of elevated blood pressure (BP) in adolescents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology: Representative sample of 661 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years were selected by means of a multistage stratified random sampling technique. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) of males was higher than that of females at all ages except at 13 years of age, where the females had higher mean BMI values (24.1kg/m2) compared to males (21.9 kg/m2). Males had higher levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (117.1mm Hg - 126.8 mm Hg) than females (109.2mmHg -117.1mmHg). The prevalence of high SBP increased as the weight increased, as 50% of males with high SBP were obese, compared with 62.5% among females. Male and female adolescents with elevated SBP were 5 times (95% CI 2.3, 9.7) and 16 times (95% CI 3.5, 17.3) respectively, more likely to be obese compared to those with normal SBP. Similarly, those with elevated diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were two times (95% CI 1.1, 4.4) and four times (95% CI 1.6, 8.5) more likely to be obese compared to those with DBP in the normal range. Conclusion: The high prevalence of obesity among adolescents in Dubai and its association with high BP calls for urgent action to prevent and control obesity in this age group.