Background: Overweight and elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents are two independent risk factors of basic importance for early prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of overweight and elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years from the city of Łódź.
Methods: A total of 25,309 children and adolescents (12,669 girls and 12,640 boys) aged 7-19 years from 111 schools in the city of Łódź were examined. Basic anthropometric measurements (body mass and height) as well as three independent blood pressure measurements using the auscultatory method were performed. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were evaluated based on BMI analysis and using international criteria (IOTF). The prevalence of prehypertension state and hypertension was evaluated using the Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents.
Results: The mean prevalence of overweight (without obesity) was 15.1% (13.2% for girls and 17% for boys) and obesity was found in 3.7% of children (2.9% of girls and 4.4% of boys). Prevalence of the prehypertensive state and hypertension was 11.1% and 4.9%, respectively. In the younger groups of children aged 7-13 years the prevalence of overweight as well as elevated blood pressure was significantly (p <0.001) higher than in groups aged 14-19 years.
Conclusions: The results indicate that the prevalence of overweight as well as elevated blood pressure is significantly higher in younger groups of children. The observed relations may result from specific social determinants and improper nutritional habits. The results show that intensive preventive activities should also be directed towards younger groups of children.