Correlation of baseline and Isometric exercise-induced blood pressure with total body fat percentage and body mass index in female medical students

Abstract

Background and Aim: Studies on obese and nonobese Indian girls from minority community, spending less time in outdoor activities due to conservative restrictions imposed on them, are scanty in literature. The aim of this study were as follows: (1) Recording Baseline systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pressor response to isometric exercise and (2) Measurement of total body fat% (TBF), visceral fat (VF), body age (BA) and correlations with each other and with body mass index (BMI). Methods: Ninety female medical students (aged 18-22 years) filled up a detailed questionnaire and were classified as obese (BMI ≥30), overweight (BMI≥25-30, clubbed with obese, n=24) and nonobese (BMI 28%, the BA was significantly higher (P < 0.03) than rest of the controls. Conclusion: Obesity is associated with increase in baseline BP and higher pressor response to isometric exercise. Higher BA and total TBF% can lead to cardiovascular anomalies within normal BMI limits and hence should be considered while classifying obesity.