14 DAY TRIAL // Having assessed the overall health condition of as many as 22,051 children and adolescents, researchers established a link between obesity and an increased risk to develop hypertension.
Specifically, it appears that, when compared to individuals whose body weight falls within the normal range, those who pack enough pounds to qualify as obese are 6 times more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension.
Add to this the fact that obesity is currently on the rise in kids and adolescents living in high- and middle-income countries, and it becomes clear why specialists fear that hypertension will soon be a more common condition than it currently is.
“Our study clearly shows that the fatter young people are, the greater their risk of prehypertension and hypertension. Any weight loss they can achieve will help reduce their risk,” said Professor Peter Schwandt from Germany, as cited by EurekAlert.
Interestingly enough, it appears that packing one too many pounds affects boys more than it does girls. Thus, it was the male participants to this study who were found to be more vulnerable to prehypertension and hypertension.
As detailed by Professor Schwandt, “We found that obese boys had a nearly six fold increased risk of hypertension compared to normal weight boys. In obese girls the risk was more than four times greater than their normal weight counterparts.”
In light of these findings, the researcher and his colleagues urge that efforts be made to encourage kids and teenagers to eat healthier and exercise on a regular basis. Needless to say, their families should make sure that they do so.