Obesity and high blood pressure have several similarities and common risk factors that link the two conditions. Both of these are very serious medical developments that can occur to people at any age, although high blood pressure is more likely among older individuals. If you discover you have one or both of these problems, it is important to develop a plan of action that will allow you to combat the condition and improve your overall health.
Expert Insight
A clear correlation exists between your body's weight and your blood pressure levels. While one does not entirely control the other, being overweight or obese can make you more likely to develop high blood pressure. However, this correlation only goes one way: high blood pressure does not make you more at risk to develop obesity or become overweight. In addition, it is entirely possible to have one of these conditions without the other.
Common Risk Factors
You can do many things to increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, and some of these can also contribute to your risk of developing obesity. According to MayoClinic.com, a sedentary lifestyle in which you do not exercise much or at all can make you more likely to develop high blood pressure. Low activity levels also contribute to weight gain and being overweight. Family heredity can play some role in both of these conditions, as can smoking, using tobacco or drinking alcohol.
Treatment
Exercise is an excellent way to treat obesity and high blood pressure. Although medications can help lower your blood pressure without much effort on your part, being active most days of the week can help you accelerate this treatment or replace medications entirely. Choosing healthier foods, include those featuring lower amounts of salt than what you are used to, can make a big difference in both conditions. You should also control your alcohol consumption, which can provide excessive calories to the body while raising blood pressure.
Dangers
Failure to treat either of these conditions can be very dangerous to your health, if not fatal. High blood pressure increases your risk of suffering from a blot clot, heart attack or stroke, while obesity can make you more likely to develop diabetes, a heart attack or heart disease. In the long run, either can lead to premature death.
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