Association between hypertension and obesity: an empirical study of Lahaul valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

Obesity and overweight have emerged as potential risk factors for hypertension, coronary heart diseases and diabetes. These non-communicable diseases are increasing due to the high consumption of processed food and the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle. The present study aims to explore the prevalence of overweight, obesity, hypertension and behavioural factors among women in Lahaul valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. A group of 230 women from five villages of Lahaul valley was surveyed through interview method. First, descriptive statistics on anthropometric variables was done, followed by a binary logistic regression technique in order to calculate the odds ratio. Out of 230 sample participants, 31.7% were in the category of overweight and obesity, 51.7% were under systolic hypertension and 46.5% suffered from diastolic hypertension. The binary logistic regression method provided significant odds ratio, which revealed an association among body mass index, intake of excessive salt, tobacco products, physical inactivity and hypertension. The study concludes that being overweight, intake of extra sodium and physical inactivity are major risk factors for hypertension among women in Lahaul valley