J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2026 Apr;28(4):e70252. doi: 10.1111/jch.70252.
ABSTRACT
Central obesity drives hypertension progression, but long-term trend data in hypertensive populations are lacking. This study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2001-2023), 28,666 adult hypertensive participants were included. Central obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥102 cm (men) or ≥88 cm (women). Central obesity was further categorized into three severity grades: Grade I (men 102-110 cm, women 88-95 cm), Grade II (men 110-120 cm, women 95-105 cm), and Grade III (men ≥120 cm, women ≥105 cm). Age-standardized prevalence trends were analyzed with Joinpoint software. Overall central obesity prevalence increased significantly from 59.2% (2001-2004) to 69.7% (2021-2023, p < 0.001). Females (72.2%-80.5%) had higher rates than males (49.2%-61.3%). Severe (Grade III) obesity rose most prominently (20.1%-30.9%, p < 0.001). The 20-44 age group showed the largest absolute increase (50.5%-66.1%) and contributed 46.5% to the overall rise. In conclusion, central obesity, particularly severe forms, increased steadily among US hypertensive adults. Younger adults contributed most, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce cardiovascular burden.
PMID:41969106 | DOI:10.1111/jch.70252