Childhood Hypertension Rates Double in 20 Years, Obesity a Major Factor

According to a global analysis published in 2025, the prevalence of hypertension or high blood pressure among children and teenagers has nearly doubled in the last two decades. In 2000, the rate was 3.2%, but by 2020 it had risen to over 6%.

This alarming trend is being driven in large part by the growing childhood obesity epidemic. Researchers found that nearly a fifth of the world's children and adolescents with obesity also have hypertension - about eight times the rate among those with a healthy weight.

Beyond the direct impact of excess weight, obesity can also lead to other issues like insulin resistance and changes in blood vessels, making it harder to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. The study also revealed that over 9% of children and teens may have "masked" hypertension, where high blood pressure only shows up in out-of-office tests and can go undetected during regular checkups.

"The nearly twofold increase in childhood high blood pressure over 20 years should raise alarm bells for healthcare providers and caregivers," said study author Igor Rudan. "But the good news is that we can take steps now, such as improving screening and prevention efforts, to help control high blood pressure in children and reduce the risks of additional health complications in the future."