TITLE:
Anthropometric and Body Composition Indices as Predictors of Hypertension Risk among Older Adults
AUTHORS:
Moath Abu Ejheisheh
KEYWORDS:
Anthropometry, Body Composition, Hypertension, Older Adults, Palestinian
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.15 No.2,
May
6,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Older adults are at particular risk of high blood pressure and associated morbidity and mortality, as aging is associated with physiological changes, including alterations in body composition and a decline in overall health. Changes in body composition occur throughout life. Objectives: This paper aims to investigate the anthropometric and body composition indices and their effects on hypertension in older adults living in the West Bank of Palestine. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted with anthropometric measurements, including height, waist and hip circumference, body mass index, and total body fat were assessed. A body composition analyzer measured body weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured using an automated sphygmomanometer. Statistical tests t-test and regression were used for analysis. Results: Data were collected from 79 older adult participants. Their mean age was 68.28 ± 5.76 years. Nearly half of the participants were obese (49.4%) or overweight (27.8%). Hypertensive participants had significantly higher anthropometric measurements compared to normotensive participants. Statistical significance was set at (p Conclusions: Hypertension and obesity were strongly linked. Patients with hypertension tend to have higher obesity indices. For older adults with hypertension, adopting healthy eating habits and engaging in regular physical exercise can help manage hypertension, fight obesity and reduce the risk of complications.