Adolescent BMI increases genetic risk for high blood pressure

New research shows that a higher body mass index (BMI) during adolescence can increase the genetic risk of high blood pressure in adulthood. This highlights the importance of managing weight in young people to prevent health issues later in life. The study, published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, looked at data from 714 participants of European descent over 18 years. Researchers used samples of blood and saliva to analyze how adolescent BMI affects genetic predispositions to systolic blood pressure (SBP). The findings indicate that boys and girls respond differently to BMI regarding blood pressure. For females, genetic risk scores were a stronger predictor of SBP, while for males, BMI had a more direct effect. Higher BMI levels were linked to increased SBP risk, particularly in girls with a BMI over 22 kg/m² and boys with a BMI over 19 kg/m². Additionally, researchers found that average SBP in males rose from adolescence to adulthood, while females showed more stability. This suggests that boys and girls may have different physiological responses regarding blood pressure. Despite the study's insights, it had limitations, including a small and homogenous sample size. Variability in genetic factors beyond the studied SNPs could influence blood pressure differently. The research suggests that addressing high BMI during adolescence could help reduce the risk of hypertension later in life. It emphasizes the need for lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise to support better health outcomes for young people.