Body Mass Index and Risk of Hypertension: 8-Year Prospective Findings From a Nationwide Thai Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: As Thailand modernizes an ensuing health risk transition associates with rising chronic non-communicable diseases, especially hypertension. This is a driving force for emerging vascular disease, especially stroke and hypertension. Studies in other countries have shown hypertension is associated with obesity. Longitudinal information is needed forthailand and here we present our cohort data collected over 8 years And recording incidence of hypertension and exposure to elevated abnormal BMI. DESIGN & METHODS: BMI effects on incident hypertension were investigated prospectively in a nationwide Thai Cohort Study (TCS) from 2005 to 2013. Data were derived from 42 785 off-campus Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University students returning mail-based questionnaire surveys in both 2005 and 2013. Participants analysed were normotensive at the start (40 548). Multivariable regression estimated adjusted relative risks estimate linking obesity (measured by BMI) and hypertension (self-reported) among Thai men and women. RESULTS: In Thailand from 2005 to 2013 the TCS 8-Year Incidence of hypertension was 5.1% (men 7.1%, women 3.6%), which meant 1958 participants developed hypertension. BMI was directly associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Compared to participants with a normal BMI (18.5-22.9 Kg/M2), The relative risks (95% confidence interval) of developing hypertension with a BMI of ≤ 18.5.23.0–24.9, 25-29.9 and >30 Kg/m2 were 0.54 (0.3-0.97), 1.8(1.49-2.18), 3.27 (2.73-3.91) and 6.73 (5.1-8.97) for men and 0.65 (0.45-0.95), 2.28 (1.81-2.88), 3.71 (2.96-4.64) and 9.72 (7.09-13.32) for women respectively (p-trend <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data confirmed the adverse effects of long-term high bmi on an increased risk of hypertension in Thai people. Therefore, Ministry of Public Health should develop a national program to encourage people to remain healthy with a normal BMI. There are many health gains from such a program and the information presented here shows clearly that decreased hypertension would be one of the expected benefits for the Thai population.