Is Hypertension Obesity-Induced? Possible Causes, Risks, And Treatment

Keep reading to find out if hypertension is caused by obesity. Know about its possible causes, risks, and treatment to take control of your health.

Quick Summary

• Obesity is when excess body fat accumulates, causing a negative effect on health. A BMI calculation of 30 or above is considered obese.
• There is evidence that obesity can lead to hypertension, as obesity may cause kidney pressure.
• With compression in the kidneys and increased visceral and retroperitoneal fat, blood pressure may increase in obese people.

It’s no secret that hypertension and obesity are major public health concerns. Hypertension is the number one concern of death, affecting over a billion people. Besides, obesity is one of the leading causes when it comes to related health issues.

Much research is being conducted on the relationship between hypertension and obesity. Some studies suggest that the two are related, while other studies are not so sure.

As we know, hypertension is when blood pressure exceeds the normal limit. In obese people, the heart may have to work extra to pump blood. As a result, it may result in hypertension. Keep reading to learn more about obesity-induced hypertension, related risks, and treatment.

How To Determine Obesity?

Obesity is when a person has an excessive amount of body fat. This fat can come from muscle, bone, organ tissue, or other body tissues.

Obesity is determined by measuring a person’s body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or more is termed obese. Obesity is a significant health problem worldwide.

Causes of obesity

Obesity has many causes, including genetic and environmental factors. It may be passed down through families. If either of your parents is obese, you’re more likely to be obese as well.

The environment around us plays a role in obesity as well. For example, if you live in an area with few parks or recreational facilities, you may not have as many opportunities to be physically active. And if you live in a neighbourhood with fast food restaurants on every corner, it can be hard to eat healthily.

Your habits also determine your weight, such as excessive eating, smoking, and drinking have a negative effect on physical health. All these may lead to weight gain.

How Are Hypertension And Obesity Related?

There’s a strong relationship between hypertension and obesity. Obesity is a huge risk factor for hypertension and may also cause heart disease and diabetes. They share common risk factors, such as physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking.

Moreover, they also have some unique risk factors. For example, obesity can lead to hypertension by increasing the heart’s workload, and hypertension can lead to obesity by causing the body to retain fluid.

The link between obesity and hypertension

Obesity may cause hypertension or worsen the condition if you already have it. Monitoring BP at home is necessary if you have the condition.

Primarily, about 65-78 per cent of hypertension cases may be caused due to obesity. Your body functions change when you have more fat stores. For instance, your sympathetic nervous system remains in an overactive state.

There’s insulin resistance and a massive change in kidney function. Moreover, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system and adipose-derived cytokines (hormones) may get overstimulated.

RAAS is among the significant factors causing high BP. Besides, renal compression in the kidneys may lead to water and salt retention. Excess weight can lead to increased blood pressure due to the extra work the heart has to do to pump blood through the body.

Obesity may also lead to increased levels of cholesterol and sugar in the blood, damaging the arteries and increasing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, excess fat tissue can produce hormones and chemicals that can lead to high blood pressure.

Treatment For Hypertension In Obese People

There are several risks associated with hypertension in obese people. For example, obese people are more likely to have diabetes, which can lead to serious health complications.

A combination of treatment methods and lifestyle changes may help.

Dietary changes

Reducing the salt in your diet can help to lower your blood pressure. You should also aim to eat a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins, minerals, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try consuming a low-calorie diet. Also, add blood pressure-reducing supplements to reduce it naturally.

Weight loss

Increasing your physical activity level can also help to lower your blood pressure. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce your blood pressure. Have a goal in mind to reduce weight and monitor your heart health with apps while you work out.

Medication

There are many different types of medications that can be used to treat hypertension in obese people. Some of these medications include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.

Talk to your health practitioner to decide which medications work best for you. Lowering blood pressure and losing weight will improve your health.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes are often the first step in treating hypertension in obese people. These changes can include eating healthier, losing weight, and quitting smoking and drinking.

Making these lifestyle changes may be difficult, but there are many resources available to help. Talk to your doctor about what changes you should make and how to make them.

You may also want to join a support group or consult a registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator.

Conclusion

Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertension, and the treatment of hypertension in obese people is the same as in non-obese people. Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, are the first line of treatment for hypertension in obese people.

If lifestyle modifications are not effective, medications may be necessary. It’s essential to understand the relationship between hypertension and obesity.

In particular, obesity may contribute to hypertension by increasing the workload of the heart and kidneys and causing damage to the blood vessels. Monitor your blood pressure with a chart while losing weight and focusing on getting better.