Body mass index of 23 or more is a risk factor for hypertension and hyperlipidemia in Japanese workers.

In comparison with western populations, body mass index (BMI) of the Japanese population is typically lower. In this study, the relationship between BMI and other metabolic risk factors was examined in 1,130 male manufacturing workers surveyed from 2000 to 2003. The association between the BMI and the relative risk of hypertension was evaluated in a cross-sectional design using logistic regression analysis. The mean BMI in the subjects was 23.6 (SD=3.2). Of the total number of subjects, 26.6% and 3.3% were classified as pre-obese and obese, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that BMI of 23 or greater was significantly associated with an increased risk of hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia. Health education of weight control of borderline obesity of workers is important for the primary prevention of hypertension and hyperlipidemia in Japan.