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Excess abdominal fat increases risk of high blood pressure

Source: Protokolle, Berlin
Some Kinds of Fat Worse Than Others

Our Summary

At the 4th International Symposium on Obesity and Hypertension in Berlin the importance of distribution of body fat and its affect on health was highlighted. The key factor was not the Body Mass Index (BMI) but where on the body the excess fat was distributed. Those with excess fat on the abdominal area, known as abdominal obesity are at the highest risk of developing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers have known that fat cells directly damage the cardiovascular system and the kidneys through substances they produce. Professor Arya Sharma from Mc Master University in Ontario, Canada reported that fat cells of abdominal tissue are especially destructive. Abdominal fat cells produce hormones and adipokines (messenger substances) that contribute to the onset of hypertension and metabolic disorders. Doctors refer to these diseases as 'metabolic syndrome'. The American Heart Association website explains all the factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome which is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors in one person.

BMI has been commonly used to assess weight as it takes into account both a person's height and weight. The National Institute of Health website has a easy to use BMI calculator. Researchers now suggest that the distribution of weight must also be assessed. The National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute website claims, "Waist circumference is the most practical measurement for assessing a patient's abdominal fat content before and during weight loss treatment."

And as always, losing weight is easier said than done!

Related

• Overweight people at high risk of hypertension
• Lower your blood pressure by eating the WELL or DASH diet

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