Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Does losing weight help with my blood pressure?

Yes; yes it does!

This is particularly nice to know at this time of the year when many people gain 7-8 pounds over the holidays. The trick is to lose this rather than gaining 7-8 pounds every year that you never lose.

On average, losing 10 pounds (no matter how much you presently weigh) results on an 8-10% reduction in you blood pressure.

This may not sound like much, but it's about what you would see with starting doses of prescription blood pressure pills.

Take home message: losing 10 pounds is as helpful as starting a blood pressure medication. Which one sounds better?

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