Slight weight changes may alter blood pressure measurements in overweight adolescents, according to a study presented at American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2010 Scientific Sessions.

Throughout more than 10 years of follow ups, the blood pressure, height and weight was monitored among a total of 1,113 children. The researchers then compared each child’s body mass index (BMI) to national medical standards.

The team discovered that the participants who ranked in the 85th percentile or higher of the charts were categorized as overweight.

Furthermore, these findings showed overweight boys were nearly five times more affected by systolic blood pressure, the force of blood pumped against the arteries. The same results were found in overweight boys who suffered from diastolic blood pressure, the force measurement of blood on the arteries.

Wanzhu Tu, co-author of the research, stated that “because our estimate of the BMI effect was much greater in overweight kids, the results suggest that even a modest reduction in BMI may produce a much greater benefit in blood pressure in overweight kids.” He added that “conversely, a small increase in BMI could put them at much greater risk of blood pressure elevation.”

It’s estimated that 17 percent of Americans aged 2-19 are considered obese, according to the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.