The objectives of this study are to: 1) investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on hypertension levels among pre-school and elementary students in Louisiana and 2) To implement effective strategies to intervene high-risk children to prevent obesity and chronic conditions.
Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. Several chronic conditions such as Type-II diabetes, hypertension, etc, are becoming increasingly prevalent among children. To achieve the objectives of this study, BMI and blood pressure levels were assessed among pre-school and elementary students in Louisiana. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were assessed for over 500 children using the latest standards set by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. Based on the BMI levels, children were classified as being normal weight, at-risk and overweight. Based on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, children were classified as being normal, pre-hypertensive and hypertensive. Results indicated that half (50%) of then children who were overweight had abnormal blood pressure levels. Statistical analysis indicated significant effect of BMI on hypertension levels among children. Following the study results, BMI and other fitness levels have been assessed in over 4500 children across the state and high-risk children are being referred to school nurse/physician for follow-up on hypertension status. School and community based interventions are also being implemented to prevent chronic conditions. Results of this study will help clinicians and public health professionals to understand the significance of assessing BMI and blood pressure levels in school children. The study also provides some guidelines to school and community based interventions to reduce the burden of childhood obesity.