Lose weight and regulate blood pressure
Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai (India): “Weight loss directly affects blood pressure by reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. Carrying excess weight makes the heart work harder to pump blood, which can lead to higher blood pressure. This natural regulation helps control blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.”
Reduce stress on the heart: When the body has less excess fat, the heart does not have to work as hard to supply blood to the body parts, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure.
Reduce insulin levels in the body: Excess fat can increase insulin levels, causing blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure. When you lose weight, insulin levels decrease, helping to improve blood pressure.
Increased insulin sensitivity: When you lose weight, your body becomes more sensitive to insulin, which helps control blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Reduce inflammation: Excess fat can create inflammatory substances in the body, and inflammation can contribute to high blood pressure. Losing weight can reduce inflammation levels and improve heart health.
Risks of Rapid Weight Loss
“While weight loss is beneficial, losing weight too quickly can have adverse effects, especially on blood pressure,” advises Dr. Agarwal. “Rapid calorie restriction or extreme dieting can put stress on the body, leading to a temporary increase in blood pressure. This is why it is important to consult your doctor when planning to lose weight.”
