Correlation Between Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, and Visceral Fat Levels amongst Varying Individuals: A Health Evaluation Study Within the Local Populacy of Cimahi in Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is characterized by the excessive accumulation of lipids in the subcutaneous and visceral parts of the body. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to estimate fat levels and has a known correlation with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Risk factors for cardiovascular complications include hypertension, obesity, low HDL, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Sustained hypertension and obesity, especially with adipocytes containing ALDH1A1, can lead to high visceral fat levels, which induce eNOS and increase both NO and ROS, eventually resulting in endothelial dysfunction. This study aims to investigate the correlation between BMI, blood pressure, and visceral fat levels among residents of Rukun Warga (RW) 01, Cibeber, Cimahi.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are twofold. First, it seeks to explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure, examining how variations in BMI might influence changes in blood pressure among the study population. Second, the study aims to assess the correlation between BMI and visceral fat levels, focusing on how increased BMI may be associated with higher levels of visceral fat, which is known to contribute to various metabolic and cardiovascular risks.

Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional analytic design with 224 respondents selected through consecutive sampling. Data were gathered through measurements of anthropometrics, blood pressure, BMI, and bioimpedance analysis (BiA). The data analysis focused on correlations between these variables.

Results: The study found that 37.5% of respondents fell into obesity class II, with a significant increase in blood pressure in this group, particularly among those with grade II hypertension (34.8%). Visceral fat measurements revealed that 46% of participants had high visceral fat levels (≥13). The findings also indicated that females experienced higher incidences of obesity, hypertension, and high visceral fat levels compared to males. There was a significant correlation (p=0.023) between BMI and blood pressure, as well as between BMI and visceral fat levels (p=0.000). These correlations suggest that an obese body condition increases cardiovascular strain and contributes to insulin resistance, ROS, NO metabolism, and the buildup of visceral fat.

Conclusions: The study highlights a strong correlation between BMI and blood pressure, as well as between BMI and visceral fat levels. Obesity class II (37.5%) was the most common, with a significant association with grade II hypertension (34.8%). High visceral fat levels (≥13) were observed in 46% of respondents, with females showing a higher prevalence of these conditions. The data suggest that obesity exacerbates cardiovascular issues and visceral fat accumulation, leading to increased insulin resistance and related metabolic complications.