Hypertension (high blood pressure)

What it means

High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, so many people do not know they have it. Over years, the extra force damages artery walls and makes the heart work harder.

US guidelines define stage 1 as a systolic reading of 130 to 139 or diastolic of 80 to 89, and stage 2 as 140 or higher or 90 or higher. A diagnosis is based on repeated readings, not a single high number. See blood pressure reading for the full categories.

Excess weight is a major risk factor, along with salt intake, inactivity, alcohol, smoking, age and family history. Weight loss often lowers blood pressure, and the effect can be meaningful even with modest loss.

If blood pressure falls as you lose weight, your prescriber may need to lower or stop blood pressure medicines. Dizziness when standing can be a sign, so report it rather than adjusting doses yourself.

Why it matters

Hypertension is one of the most common weight-related conditions used to qualify for GLP-1 treatment at a BMI of 27 to 29.9.