Gender-specific differences in related indicators of blood pressure in Chinese school-age children with overweight and obesity

Background The effects of overweight and obesity on blood pressure in children may differ by sex. Previous studies have only shown the association between overweight and obesity and elevated blood pressure (EBP). The objective of this study is to further explore the association between elevated pulse pressure (EPP) and elevated mean arterial pressure (EMAP) and obesity in Chinese school-age children by gender. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 935 children between seven and twelve years old. Overweight and obesity were defined by body mass index and body composition. The adjusted population attributable risk was used to assess the effects of obesity on EBP, EPP and EMAP. Results The interaction of height or age and obesity was used to identify the effect of obesity on blood pressure independent of age and height. Boys with overweight and obesity had higher EBP, EPP and EMAP ( P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that overweight and obesity had a greater impact on BP and MAP than PP, especially in boys [Odds ratio (OR) > 1]. EBP in 79% of boys and 76% of girls could be attributable to the visceral fat level. The interaction between blood pressure and height or age was modestly increased in children with overweight and obesity, especially in boys. Conclusions Independent of age and height, the effect of obesity on blood pressure was greater in boys than girls. Moreover, the effect was mainly on small arteries rather than large arteries.