Maintaining the right weight
Over 50% of all Americans are overweight, with 31% classified as “obese.” Even more serious is the fact that the percentage of children and adolescents who are obese has doubled in the last two decades.
The link between weight and blood pressure is often very strong and direct. Moreover, as people gain weight, their blood pressure levels increase. The same is true for many people who are obese but lose weight — they can expect their blood pressure levels to decrease. In fact, losing ten pounds or more can help to lower your blood pressure. This is why weight loss is considered one of the most important and effective natural treatments for preventing or reducing high blood pressure.
So, when is a person considered “obese” or “overweight”? As a general rule, men are considered obese when they are 20 percent over their ideal weight, as based on their height. Women are considered obese at 25 percent over ideal. Adults, in general, are considered morbidly obese when they are 100 pounds or more overweight. People who are overweight (as opposed to obese) are believed to be two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure than those who are at or maintain their healthy, desirable weight levels.
It is worth noting another factor that can influence the likelihood of a person developing high blood pressure. This has to do with where an overweight person carries fat on their body. For example, there is evidence to suggest that people who are “apple-shaped,” storing extra weight around their waists, are more at risk for health problems than those who are “pear-shaped,” storing excess weight around their thighs and hips.
Weight and shape aside, what is certain is that weight loss can greatly reduce the possibility of developing high blood pressure. The key to losing weight is to take in fewer calories (energy) than you burn up. It is important to steer clear of weight loss pills or the newest, most popular diets, because they can be dangerous and are usually ineffective in keeping weight off over the long term. The best way to reduce or keep blood pressure levels healthy over the course of one’s life is to develop and commit to a new lifestyle plan that starts with eating better and getting more physical activity. In general, maintaining the right weight throughout life will not only help to lower blood pressure, but will reduce the likelihood of developing other illnesses like cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease.
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