By: SIDDHARTH CHHETRI, ARINDAM BISWAS, ARGINA KHATUN
This study investigates the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among adult male tea estate workers from Pussimbang and Tongsong Tea Estates in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It focuses on the relationship between central obesity and hypertension. A sample of 284 healthy male participants, aged 18 to 59 years, was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured interviews and standardized anthropometric measurements. The study reveals a high prevalence of central obesity, with 69% of workers classified as centrally obese based on Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), and 36.3% of the population identified as hypertensive. The analysis shows that central obesity, measured through WHR, Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR), and Waist Circumference (WC), is significantly associated with hypertension, while general obesity measured by BMI shows a weaker correlation. Age-related trends indicate a rise in both central obesity and hypertension as workers age, with the highest rates observed in the older age groups. The study also highlights the influence of socio-demographic factors like caste, education, and lifestyle habits such as tobacco and alcohol consumption on hypertension risk. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, particularly focusing on waist-based measures, to address the growing health concerns related to central obesity and hypertension in this population.
