Longitudinal relationships between changes in body composition and changes in selected metabolic risk factors (abdominal obesity and blood pressure) among South African adolescents.

Background: Incidence of childhood high blood pressure (BP) is increasing worldwide. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between changes in body composition (i.e. body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage body fat) and selected metabolic risk factors (abdominal obesity and BP) among adolescents from the Tlokwe municipality in the North West Province of South Africa.

Method: One hundred and eight-six adolescents (81 boys and 105 girls) aged 14 to 16 years participated in the study. Body composition was measured following the International Society of the Advancement of Kinanthropometry standard procedures. BMI, abdominal obesity using WC measurement, and resting BP were determined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures was calculated to determine changes in anthropometric measures and body composition as well as changes in BP. Additionally, Univariate analysis of variance with repeated measures and participants as a random sample was applied. Diastolic BP (DBP) and systolic BP (SBP) were used as dependent variables and sex, age, BMI, WC, and waist-to-height ratio as independent variables.

Results: Significant changes were found for stature, BMI, body mass, WC, SBP, and DBP. BMI for the total group was significant and positively related to abdominal obesity in 2012 ( = 0.55;  < 0.01) and in 2013 ( = 0.77;  < 0.01) and to SBP ( = 0.26;  < 0.05) in 2012 and ( = 0.17;  = 0.43) in 2013. BMI among the boys was significantly and positively related to abdominal obesity in 2012 ( = 0.83;  < 0.01) and 2013 ( = 0.91;  < 0.01). For the girls, BMI was significantly and positively related to abdominal obesity ( = 0.49;  < 0.01) and to SBP ( = 0.32;  = 0.05) in 2012. Boys with a higher WC in 2012 had significantly increased DBP ( < 0.05). Boys measured in 2012 with greater WC and BMI show a significant increase in SBP.

Conclusions: BMI was positively related to BP and abdominal obesity over time. Relatively high BMI and abdominal obesity significantly increased the likelihood of elevated BP over time, especially in boys. BMI was a predictor of abdominal obesity in boys, while in girls, BMI was a predictor of both abdominal obesity and SBP. In view of the future health implications of both abdominal obesity and elevated BP, urgent strategic interventions programs aimed at increasing physical activity and advocating for well-balanced dietary practices as well as importance of keeping normal blood pressure among South African adolescents are needed.