Abstract
Background: Obesity and hypertension comprise an important worldwide epidemic that has been linked to the metabolic syndrome. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can promote weight gain, increase body fat; a loss of lean muscle mass could eventually lead to obesity.

Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the correlation between fat percentage with muscle strength/endurance and blood pressure response in young adults.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted after the approval from Institutional Ethical Committee. 40 subjects having general obesity among staff and student community, between the age group of 18 and 40 years of either sex was recruited for the study. The fat percentage was measured based on the Deurenberg’s equation body mass index (BMI) was measured using the formula, BMI = weight (kg)/height (m2). The muscular strength/endurance was assessed by hand grip exercise using hand dynamometer.

Results: The result showed that there was a significant difference between the fat percentage in male and female obese subjects (P = 0.004), but the difference was insignificant with respect to BMI (P = 0.398). The result also showed a significant correlation between hand grip performance at different interval of time and fat percentage in both right hand (P < 0.05) and left hand (P < 0.005). The association between BMI and fat percentage was found to be significant (r = 0.349, P = 0.027).

Conclusion: This study concluded that the association between BMI and fat percentage was found to be significant, whereas the correlation between fat percentage and blood pressure response was insignificant.

Key words: Obesity; Hypertension; Fat Percentage; Muscle Strength/Endurance; Blood Pressure Response