Excess weight increases the heart’s workload, straining the heart and leading to problems like high blood pressure.
More than 40% of American adults struggle with obesity, and an additional 10% have severe obesity.
A high BMI could indicate a high level of body fat.
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However, BMI is not an exact measurement tool.
Understanding the Connection Between Weight and Blood Pressure
Your heart is the hardest-working muscle in your body.
It pumps nearly 2,000 gallons of blood through your body every day.
Any obstruction or issue that interferes with blood flow increases the demand on your heart.
Higher body fat levels have been directly linked to increased blood pressure for decades.
There are several reasons for this.
A higher body weight can make it harder for your heart to pump blood.
Today, obesity is linked to between 65% and 78% of primary hypertension cases.
Can Obesity Cause Hypertension?
Experts know that there is a relationship between obesity andhypertension.
However, there are several ways that obesity can lead to hypertension.
Obesity vs. ## Whats Obesity-Induced Hypertension?
Obesity-induced hypertension is high blood pressure linked to body mass and related complications.
The sections below discuss some of the physiological issues that contribute to obesity-induced hypertension.
It activates your flight-or-fight response when danger is perceived.
In people with obesity, SNS activity is increased.
Increased cardiac output can put a strain on your heart.
Renal Compression
Increased fatty tissueespecially around the abdomencan make space inside the body tight.
It can also increase SNS activity and narrow your blood vessels to increase blood pressure.
When your leptin levels are chronically high, your body resists it.
Insulin Resistance
As with leptin, chronically high blood glucose levels lead to increased production of insulin.
This can worsen high blood pressure.
How Is Hypertension Treated in People With Obesity?
In earlystages of hypertension, lifestyle changes may be enough to lower your blood pressure to safe levels.
If you aren’t already active, start slowly.
Even something as simple as taking a walk each day can make a difference.
Physical activity offers many benefits.
It can help lower your blood pressure, lose weight, and improve other aspects of your cardiovascular health.
Medications
Even with diet and lifestyle changes, you may needmedicationsto help control your blood pressure.
Surgery
Surgery is not a top choice when it comes to managing high blood pressure.
Even with surgery, you may need to continue with lifestyle changes and medications.
Identifying and addressing obesity andhypertensionin children is critical to preventing long-term organ damage and other chronic diseases.
Summary
Obesity is a known contributor to high blood pressure, among other health risks.
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