Cross-sectional, school-based study of 14-19 year olds showed that raised blood pressure was associated with obesity and abdominal obesity.

Aim: Gaining weight has been directly associated with an increased probability of developing high blood pressure (HBP) and metabolic abnormalities. We examined the independent and combined effects of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity on blood pressure in adolescents.

Methods: This cross-sectional school-based study evaluated 869 adolescents (53.

Obesity Prevention in Latin America.

In Latin American countries, obesity prevalence has increased significantly as a result of rapid urbanization and an improvement in socioeconomic conditions. We report the prevalence of overweight and/or obesity and prevention efforts in five countries: Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Chile. In children, the highest and lowest rates of obesity are found in Chile (23 % in 6-year-olds) and Peru (1.