Association of dietary habits with body mass index and waist circumference, and their interaction effect on hypertension

Abstract

Dietary modifications play a crucial role in blood pressure management, and although body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are significant predictors of hypertension, limited studies have explored their relationship with dietary habits. This cross-sectional study conducted in Ganzhou, China, focused on middle-aged and elderly residents to investigate the correlation between dietary habits and BMI, WC, and their interaction impact on hypertension. The study found that salty and sweet intake correlated positively with BMI and WC, whereas bean and coarse grain intake were negatively correlated. A significant interaction effect was showed between dietary habits, and BMI and WC on hypertension. Specifically, individuals with obesity or central obesity combined with poor dietary habits had higher odds of hypertension. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for nutritional interventions for middle-aged and elderly residents with varying obesity levels for the prevention and treatment of hypertension at the community level. The study concluded that dietary habits are significantly associated with BMI and WC, and poor dietary habits coexistence with obesity or central obesity can increase the prevalence rate of hypertension. Understanding these relationships can help develop strategies to address hypertension through dietary and lifestyle changes, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers to develop effective interventions addressing this growing global health concern.