Association Between Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure Among Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease worldwide. Increasing rates of overweight and obesity among young adults have raised concerns regarding the early development of elevated blood pressure. Identifying this association at a younger age is essential for implementing preventive health strategies.Objective: To evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure among apparently healthy young adults.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students aged 18–25 years. Anthropometric measurements, including height and weight, were obtained using standardized techniques to calculate BMI. Blood pressure was measured after a five-minute resting period using a calibrated digital sphygmomanometer. Participants were categorized according to standard BMI classifications. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used to determine the association between BMI and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.Results: Individuals with higher BMI values demonstrated higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with participants of normal BMI. A positive correlation was observed between BMI and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The prevalence of prehypertension was greater among overweight participants than among those with normal body weight.Conclusion: Increased BMI is associated with elevated blood pressure among young adults, suggesting that early lifestyle interventions focusing on weight management, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity may help reduce the future burden of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.