Incidence of obesity,overweight and hypertension in children and adolescents in Ahvaz southwest of IRAN: Five-years study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of obesity, overweight and hypertension in children and adolescents aged 10–15 in Ahvaz.MethodsThis is a epidemiologic study performed on 176 people aged 10–15 in Ahvaz. In 2009, 300 people underwent weight, height and blood pressure measurements. Five years later, the same people were reassessed for obesity, overweight and hypertension, of whom a total of 176 people agreed to repeat the procedure.ResultsThe study included 100 (57%) males and 76 (43%) females. Mean BMI was 22.1 ± 4.3 kg / m2 in year 2014, without any significant difference between the two sexes (P = 0.518). In the same year, the prevalence of obesity and overweight was 26 (14.8%) and 13 (7.4%), respectively. After 5years, BMI increased significantly (P < 0.001). Of the 150 norma participants with normal BMI in 2009, 15 (10%) and 6 (4%) became overweight and obese in 2014 respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased significantly over 5 years P = 0.042 and P < 0.001.ConclusionsThis study shows an increase in mean BMI and mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures after 5 years among people aged 10–15 in Ahvaz.