Obesity and high blood pressure: How being overweight can result in high blood pressure

There is a close connection between two of the most common health issues, high blood pressure and obesity, as the increasing prevalence of obesity has contributed to the record rise in cases of high blood pressure worldwide.

Obesity happens to be a complex health condition that is usually characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat and is often caused by a combination of sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits and genetic predispositions.

Whereas, hypertension refers to the condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high which is generally caused by factors like lifestyle choices, underlying medical conditions, genetics, and age.

The link between obesity and high blood pressure

Obesity and hypertension (Image via Getty Images)

Obesity and hypertension are intricately connected as excess weight, particularly around the abdominal area, would lead to increased blood pressure levels. The accumulation of visceral fat, which surrounds vital organs, releases hormones and inflammatory substances that contribute to elevated blood pressure.

Additionally, obesity often coexists with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, both of which contribute to a rise in blood pressure.

Being overweight increases the workload on the heart as it has to pump blood to a larger body mass and the increased blood volume and resistance in the blood vessels caused by obesity put additional strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to elevated blood pressure.

Moreover, excess weight causes structural and functional changes in blood vessels, impairing their ability to regulate blood flow and maintain optimal blood pressure. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which plays a role in blood pressure regulation, might have a possibility of being dysregulated in obese individuals.

Complications of having hypertension and obesity

The coexistence of obesity and high blood pressure poses a blatant threat to an individual's health, increasing the risk of quite a lot of complications:

Cardiovascular diseases: Obese individuals with hypertension have a considerably higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms. The excessive strain on the heart and blood vessels due to obesity and elevated blood pressure would lead to the progressive deterioration of cardiovascular health.
Kidney dysfunction: The combination of obesity and high blood pressure further increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure, and when their function is compromised, it can contribute to a worsening of hypertension and the accumulation of harmful waste products in the body.
Metabolic disorders: Obesity and hypertension are often associated with metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, which impairs the body's ability to properly metabolize glucose, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, and dyslipidemia, which involves abnormal levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.
Cognitive impairment: Research suggests that obesity and high blood pressure may have negative effects on brain health and cognitive abilities, individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing cognitive decline, including problems with memory, attention, and executive functions.
Other health complications: Obesity and high blood pressure can also increase the risk of other health problems like sleep apnea, certain types of cancer like colorectal and breast cancer, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and reproductive issues like polycystic ovary syndrome in women.

How to manage obesity and high blood pressure?

Addressing obesity becomes mandatory for managing hypertension effectively. A balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars, along with portion control, will support weight loss and blood pressure reduction.

Regular physical activity and exercise help burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and promote weight loss while in some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage hypertension and aid weight loss.

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is needed. One can achieve this by making gradual changes to eating habits, incorporating regular physical activity, and managing stress effectively.

Seeking professional guidance from healthcare providers, registered dietitians, and fitness experts could provide personalized advice which generally works out as intended.