HUBUNGAN BERAT BADAN BERLEBIH DENGAN TEKANAN DARAH BERDASARKAN KELOMPOK USIA (REMAJA, DEWASA, DAN LANSIA)

Background: Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for hypertension across all age groups. The relationship between excess body weight and blood pressure may differ across age groups due to distinct physiological and metabolic characteristics in adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between excess body weight and blood pressure based on three age groups: adolescent, adult, and elderly.
Method: This study used a quantitative observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 100 respondents from Dau District, Malang Regency were recruited using purposive sampling, consisting of 33 adolescents (aged 13-15 years), 33 adults (aged 20-24 years), and 34 elderly (aged 53-76 years) with Overweight or obesity status. Body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness, upper arm circumference, and waist circumference were measured to assess excess body weight. Blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed using the Spearman's rank correlation test.
Result: In the adolescent group, no significant relationship was found between excess body weight and blood pressure (r = 0.116; p = 0.521). In the adult group, a significant moderate positive correlation was found (r = 0.439; p = 0.011). In the elderly group, a significant weak positive correlation was also found (r = 0.369; p = 0.032).
Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between excess body weight and blood pressure in adults and the elderly, but not in adolescents. The vascular compensatory capacity in adolescents may buffer the hemodynamic effects of excess body weight. Physiotherapy professionals should design targeted weight management programs and cardiovascular health education based on age-specific characteristics.