Childhood Obesity and the Risk of Hypertension in the Caribbean Region: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic affecting both developed and developing countries worldwide. In the Caribbean, estimates of obesity in children are noted to be above the predicted global values, and evidence suggests that the rise in obesity levels is due to environmental influences in dietary practices and physical inactivity. Methods: This review aims to determine the effects of childhood obesity and the associated risks of developing hypertension in the Caribbean population. Research articles were identified using computer-based search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, World Health Organization (WHO), and Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) databases. Researched articles with various study designs were then thoroughly analyzed to extract detailed information about obesity in childhood and the risks for hypertension in later years. Results: Rapid weight gain in infancy and high (body mass index) BMI levels in childhood are associated with higher blood pressure values and increased cardiovascular risk. Additionally, direct baseline elevation of blood pressure (B.P.) measurements, noted in obese/overweight children compared to their nonobese counterparts, confirm the hypothesis that childhood obesity is positively associated with hypertension. Conclusion: This review article provides detailed facts about childhood obesity, the risk for hypertension, and improvement recommendations and calls attention to the health implications of obesity-related hypertension in children if left untreated.