Anthropometric Study of the Body Mass Index (BMI) and its Relation to Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Omoku, Onelga, Rivers State

Abstract

Background: Anthropometry measures body size and composition, with body mass index commonly used to assess obesity. Obesity is a major health concern linked to increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigated the relationship between BMI and cardiovascular disease risk among adults in Omoku, Rivers State. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 402 adults (183 males and 219 females) aged 20-70 years. Anthropometric parameters including height, weight, and BMI were measured, and cardiovascular indicators such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded using standard procedures. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Chi-square analysis, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean BMI was 27.71 ± 5.69 kg/m² in males and 28.71 ± 5.72 kg/m² in females, with no significant sex difference (p > 0.05). Overall, 31.6% of participants had normal weight, 26.9% were overweight, and 38.8% were obese. A high prevalence of systolic hypertension was observed (64.2%). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between BMI category and systolic blood pressure (χ² = 15.74, p = 0.015), while the association between BMI and diastolic blood pressure was not significant (p = 0.33). Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between age and systolic blood pressure in males (r = 0.214, p = 0.004) and between BMI and diastolic blood pressure in females (r = 0.146, p = 0.031). Conclusion: Increased BMI is associated with a higher prevalence of systolic hypertension in the Omoku population, indicating that excess body weight may contribute to elevated cardiovascular disease risk. Public health strategies aimed at maintaining healthy body weight are essential for reducing the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in the population.