Overnutrition Status Is Associated with Elevated Blood Pressure among Adolescents in Central Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are rising among Indonesian adolescents and are known risk factors for hypertension. This study aimed to examine the relationship between overnutrition status and blood pressure among adolescents.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2024, among overweight and obese adolescents aged 12–16 years in Central Jakarta, Indonesia.  Nutritional status was determined by body mass index (BMI) Z-scores based on CDC growth charts, adjusted for sex and age. Blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer and classified according to the 2017 AAP guidelines. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests.

Results: A total of 98 adolescents participated (67.3% male; mean age 13 years). Overweight (49%) and obesity (51%) were almost equally distributed, with the highest BMI recorded at 46.7 kg/m². More than half (58.2%) had elevated blood pressure, with one case reaching grade 2 hypertension (143/84 mmHg). Overnutrition status was significantly associated with elevated blood pressure (p=0.044). Stratified analysis showed a strong association among males (p=0.005), where 42.4% of obese males exhibited elevated blood pressure, but no significant association was observed among females (p=0.58).

Conclusion: Overnutrition is significantly associated with elevated blood pressure among adolescents, particularly in males. Early interventions promoting balanced nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits are critical to reducing the long-term cardiovascular risk in this age group.