The Burden of Obesity and Hypertension Among a Vegetarian Ethnic Minority Community: A Study Among Jain's of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity is increasing among children and adults worldwide. Obesity is one of the major risk factors for hypertension. Thus, the study aimed to document the prevalence of obesity, hypertension and their association with each other among the Jain community of Khurai town, Sagar District (Madhya Pradesh), India. Methods: Data was collected on 175 participants belonging to the age group of 20-59 years. Anthropometric measurements were taken and indices were calculated such as Body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and waist-height ratio to assess general and abdominal obesity. Blood pressure was recorded using a sphygmomanometer.  Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found 25.71 percent and 9.71 percent. Whereas, 54.28 percent and 48.14 percent of participants were at risk for central obesity. The prevalence of hypertension was 41.14 percent. Obesity and hypertension were more prevalent among males, females were more overweight. Hypertension had a significant (p-value <0.01) positive correlation with anthropometric indices. Body Mass Index imposed highest significant increase risk (p-value <0.05) on hypertension. Conclusion: Jain adults had a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypertension despite of being vegetarian community. Therefore, more attention should be directed towards this community for the prevention, management, and treatment of non-communicable diseases.