Abstract
In this study, the association between dietary pattern and lifestyle in predicting hypertension (HTN) among 425 overweight and obese children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years was evaluated. In the current cross-sectional study, the lifestyle-scoring algorithm was developed considering the Iranian Health Reform Plan (HRP) criterion. HTN was defined according to standard protocols. Hierarchical linear regression models were used for the analysis. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 5.82%. The results showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) had significant positive correlation with age (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.005 and p < 0.007), respectively. Moreover, DBP had a significant correlation with fruit consumption of less than 2 servings per day versus no consumption (p = 0.014, B = 0.444), fruit consumption of more than 2 servings per day versus no consumption (p = 0.014, B = 0.480), and vegetable consumption less than 3 servings per day versus no consumption (p = 0.045, B = -0.374). Moreover, DBP had a significant correlation with fast foods/junk foods consumption of 1-2 items per week versus almost daily consumption (p = 0.047, B = -0.177). The final model could predict 32.1% of HTN by SBP and DBP (R(2) = 0.32). According to our findings, lower intake of vegetables and fruits, higher amounts of fast foods, higher age and BMI could be potent predictors of high blood pressure among Iranian children and adolescents.