Prevalence of Obesity and Its Association with Rate Pressure Product among the Rural Population: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is an emerging public health challenge and a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity. Rate Pressure Product (RPP), derived from systolic blood pressure and heart rate, is a simple non-invasive indicator of myocardial oxygen demand and cardiac workload. Evidence regarding the association between obesity and RPP among the rural population remains limited. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of obesity among the rural population using anthropometric indices and to assess its association with Rate Pressure Product. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adults aged ≥18 years residing in the Rural Health Practice Area of Index Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Indore after the approval from Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC/IMCHRC/2024/45). Participants were selected using a multistage random sampling technique from 10 randomly selected villages. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical information. Anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio were recorded using standard procedures. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured under standardized conditions, and Rate Pressure Product was calculated as systolic blood pressure × heart rate. Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tests, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 300 study participants, 21% were obese, 8% were overweight, and 62% had normal BMI. Increased waist-hip ratio suggestive of central obesity was observed in 42% of participants. Obese individuals had significantly higher systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and Rate Pressure Product than non-obese individuals (p<0.001). The prevalence of elevated RPP (≥7000) was 34% overall and increased substantially among obese participants. Positive associations were observed between obesity-related anthropometric indices and Rate Pressure Product. Conclusion: Obesity was common among the rural population and was significantly associated with increased Rate Pressure Product, indicating greater myocardial workload. Simple anthropometric assessment along with RPP estimation may be useful for early identification of individuals at increased cardiovascular risk in community settings.