Central obesity and hypertension: A 13-year longitudinal study of Chinese adults

Purpose: To examine longitudinal association between central obesity and hypertension, independent of general obesity in Chinese adults. Used data: A 13-year longitudinal study using data retrieved from China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) 1997-2009. CHNS is an ongoing nationwide surveillance system of population health and nutrition status in China. Participants were measured at 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006 and 2009. Only participants without hypertension as of 1997 were included in the study sample (N = 6096 individuals). Methods: Longitudinal trends in behaviors and anthropological measurements were analyzed using multiple regressions. Longitudinal associations between central obesity and hypertension were analyzed using logistic regressions. SAS Survey procedures were used to adjust for design effects. Results: From 1997 to 2009, central obesity prevalence increased from 17.3% to 39.4%, and was highest among individuals that aged 60+ years in 1997. By 2009, 26.8% of the participants developed hypertension. The odds of developing hypertension in 2009 for people with central obesity in 1997 were 1.19 (95% confidence interval = 1.41-1.90), controlling for general obesity, demographic and behavioral variables. Recommendations/Implications: The incidence of central obesity foreshadows increased risk of hypertension later in life among Chinese adults. While all groups are affected, individuals with central obesity seem particularly at risk. Waist circumference should be included in regular clinical measurements, to identify individuals at higher risk of developing hypertension.