The Relationship Between Obesity Indices and Blood Pressure

By: Marwan Al Masuri , Ibrahim Sakal , Ashraf Al-zer

Department of Life Sciences - School of Basic Science - Libyan Academy

Issue: Vol 25 | First Issue | 2026

article language: English

Abstract:

Numerous epidemiological studies on obese adults have found significant correlations between various anthropometric indicators and hypertension; however, there is limited information on non-obese adults. This study investigated the relationship between several anthropometric indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist-height ratio (WHtR), waist-hip ratio (WHpR), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC), and the risk of hypertension. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 140 non-obese adults (75 male and 65 female) over 25 years of age. Data was collected from five areas (Sahal al Sharqi, Bab Tobruk, Saiha, Sahal Al-Garbi, and Al-Blad) in Derna City. All participants were non-obese, normotensive, and not using any medications that affect energy regulation. The study employed multiple regression analysis, partial correlation, and descriptive statistics to compare anthropometric measures and blood pressure parameters. The findings indicated correlations between systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in relation to anthropometric indices. Certain measures demonstrated significant correlations with all blood pressure parameters, whereas others exhibited weaker associations. The study found that waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was consistently correlated with SBP, DBP, and MABP in males. In females, waist circumference (WC) showed a consistent correlation with systolic blood pressure (SBP). These findings suggest that WHtR and WC could be valuable indicators for the potential development of high blood pressure.

Keywords: Anthropometric parameters, Obesity indices, Non-obese, Blood pressure, Derna.