#RapidResponse: How Much Weight to Lose to Fix Your Blood Pressure

“One kilogram reduction in weight usually decreases systolic blood pressure, so that’s your upper number, by about one millimeter on average,” shares Dr. Regina Druz, pointing to research that shows how even small amounts of weight loss may have a measurable impact on blood pressure. So, how much weight does one really need to lose to see a difference in their blood pressure?

 

In this episode, Dr. Druz tackles that very question, breaking down the connection between weight loss and managing hypertension. She explains that it isn’t just about dropping pounds—it’s about targeting visceral fat, the kind that plays a key role in improving vascular health and reducing inflammation. Are you tracking your progress accurately? Dr. Druz emphasizes the importance of using tools like BMI and body composition measurements to clearly understand where you stand.

 

Beyond the numbers, Dr. Druz also explores the possibility of achieving remission from hypertension through lifestyle changes, without the need for medication. If you’ve ever wondered how weight loss could help you gain control of your blood pressure, Dr. Druz offers practical insights and real-life strategies to help you on your journey. Tune in to learn how the right kind of weight loss can transform your heart health!

 

Quotes

• “Blood pressure, or hypertension, is actually a chronic disease that carries significant cardiac risk. So, do we have any information on not just controlling or improving blood pressure, but actually putting it into remission so that a person has optimal blood pressure without the use of medications?” (04:23 | Dr. Regina Druz) 
• “Hypertension or elevated blood pressure, unfortunately, is actually quite prevalent. So, if we’re looking at the thresholds of 130 over 80 or reported use of hypertensive medications, it’s about 46%, so almost half of the adult population… As individuals age, the prevalence of hypertension increases.” (14:59 | Dr. Regina Druz) 
• “One kilogram reduction in weight usually decreases systolic blood pressure, so that’s your upper number, by about one millimeter on average.” (21:28 | Dr. Regina Druz)
• “Studies have shown that a five to ten percent reduction in body fat, specifically visceral fat (the fat stored within and around the organs), is what drives the relationship between weight loss and blood pressure reduction. This makes sense because fat loss reduces inflammation in the body. Fat loss reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are internal components secreted by our fat. It decreases insulin resistance, and it both improves our vascular tone and reduces peripheral resistance.” (26:00 | Dr. Regina Druz)
• “Resistance training alone can lower blood pressure by three to four millimeters systolic and diastolic even though significant fat loss may not have occurred.” (28:28 | Dr. Regina Druz)

 

Links

Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:

Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@holisticheartcenters

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm