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Prevalence of Obesity and Elevated Blood Pressure Among Adolescents: Findings from Born in Bradford Age of Wonder Study, United Kingdom

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Rising rates of obesity and elevated blood pressure among young people present growing public health challenges, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged settings. We describe the prevalence of obesity and elevated blood pressure in the Born in Bradford Age of Wonder cohort. Methods Adolescents aged 12–15 years were recruited from 36 secondary schools between September 2023 and July 2024 in Bradford. Participants underwent standardised anthropometric and blood pressure assessments. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight and converted into age- and sex-specific centiles using the 1990 British growth reference. BMI was classified as underweight (< 2 nd centile); healthy-weight (≥2 nd to <85 th centile); overweight (≥85 th to <95 th centile); or obese (≥ 95 th centile). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (mmHg) were measured and blood pressure centiles calculated using height, sex, and age at time of measurement according to the 2016 European Society of Hypertension guidelines. Blood pressure centiles were classified as “normal” (< 90), “high-normal” (90–95) and “elevated blood pressure” (> = 95). Results Of the 3,051 adolescents who provided eligible data, 2,942 had valid BMI information and 2,995 had valid blood pressure data. Overall, 22.5% were classified as obese and 13.2% as overweight. Obesity prevalence was higher in males (25.4%) than females (19.6%) and highest among Pakistani British adolescents (24.6%). Elevated blood pressure was observed in 38.8% of participants, with a further 24.7% classified as high-normal. Males showed higher rates of elevated blood pressure (47.2% vs 30.3% in females). Non-White British groups showed the highest combined prevalence of high-normal and elevated blood pressure. Discussion Findings indicate a significant burden of obesity and elevated blood pressure in Bradford adolescents, with pronounced sex and ethnic differences. Although blood pressure estimates reflect single-occasion measurements and not clinical diagnoses, the high prevalence of elevated readings highlights early cardiometabolic risk that warrants monitoring and preventative action.

Source: Wellcome Open Research

DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.26087.1

Authors: Faith Moyo, John Pickavance, Tiffany C Yang, Gillian Santorelli, Dan Lewer

Institution: Bradford Institute for Health Research

Language: English

Topic: Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,128