Obesity and Obesity-Related Hypertension in Northern Cyprus: Findings from a Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Obesity constitutes a chronic and multifactorial condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue and is linked to a wide range of comorbidities, including hypertension (HT). Its predominant cause is the disparity between caloric intake and the body’s energy utilization. As obesity rates persistently rise, the incidence of obesity-related conditions, particularly HT, is expected to increase. This study estimated the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity (AO) and obesity-related HT among adults in Northern Cyprus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, data were collected between October 2023 and June 2024 from Turkish Cypriot adults aged 18-79 years residing in Northern Cyprus. RESULTS: The population-level prevalences of general obesity, AO, and excess weight were 26.2%, 46.9%, and 63.2%, respectively. Obesity prevalence was higher in males (29.7%) than in females (23.1%), and excess weight affected 74.3% of males and 53.2% of females. AO was also more prevalent among males (49.6%) than among females (44.4%). The population-level prevalence of HT was 34.6% (36.1% in males, 33.1% in females). Among individuals with HT, 76.9% had obesity-related HT (77.6% among males and 76.1% among females). CONCLUSION: Obesity and its associated HT are highly prevalent among adults in Northern Cyprus. With rising obesity rates, the burden of obesity-related conditions is likely to increase. Prevention strategies, alongside lifestyle interventions, anti-obesity pharmacotherapy, and metabolic surgery when appropriate, are essential for long-term control of weight and blood pressure.