Question: Why is Weight Control Important for HBP?
Research has shown that it takes about 10 years to develop high blood pressure once you become overweight. Because of this delay, people may notice that they've put on a few extra pounds, but not realize that they have started a cycle that can lead to serious health concerns a few years down the road.
Answer:
A group of four studies, called the NHANES studies, have shown that there is a definate link between being overweight and developing high blood pressure. This is particularly important because
- Obesity is one of the strongest predictive risk factors for developing high blood pressure
- This link is especially strong in younger people
- The number of people who are significantly overweight is steadily increasing
Because of various factors, there are two realities of simultaneously being overweight and having high blood pressure
- It is harder to lose weight once high blood pressure has developed
- Being overweight makes high blood pressure more difficult to treat
This two sided situation means that getting control over a potential weight issue now, rather than later, means a better outcome than trying to tackle the problem later.
Continue Reading: Gain Control, Not Weight
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