Prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity and associated factors in hypertensive adults aged 45-75 years

Background & aims: We aimed to examine the prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity and associated factors in 17,656 Chinese hypertensive adults aged 45-75 years. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was carried out in Lianyungang, China. Overweight or obesity was defined as a body mass index of >= 25 kg/m(2). Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist circumference >= 90 cm for men and >= 80 cm for women. Results: The prevalence of overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity was 54.4% (women 59.3% and men 46.0%) and 59.4% (women 73.8% and men 35.1%), respectively. In the multivariable logistic-regression models, higher hypertension grades and standard of living, greater red meat consumption, lower physical activity levels, and antihypertensive treatment were independently associated with overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity in both sexes. Inland residence (versus coastal) was an independent associated factor for abdominal obesity in both sexes. Furthermore, a positive family history of diabetes in both sexes, a positive family history of hypertension, men with a positive family history of coronary heart disease, and men with inland residence were all independently associated with overweight or obesity. Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity in Chinese hypertensive adults, particularly in inland areas. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.