It might feel great to unwind and indulge during a vacation, but new research indicates that even minor overindulgence can impact your health. For instance, gaining just five pounds can raise blood pressure in an otherwise healthy individual. Naima Covassin, Ph.D., the head author of this study from Mayo Clinic, underlines that a 5- to 7-pound weight gain often observed during vacations, the holiday season or first-year university students, can affect one’s health.
While cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers are traditionally linked with obesity, Covassin’s team was interested in the effects of a minor weight increase. Through their study, they discovered that a rise in blood pressure was associated with an increase in visceral or abdominal fat. This indicates that those prone to accumulating weight in the belly area are at a higher risk of elevated blood pressure.
Despite high blood pressure potentially leading to respiratory issues and chest discomfort, not all people with hypertension exhibit symptoms. As per the American Heart Association (AHA), around 78 million adults in America suffer from high blood pressure.
The study lasted eight weeks and comprised 16 healthy individuals aged 18 to 48 who had their blood pressure monitored for 24 hours. Then, participants were provided with 400 to 1,200 extra calories every day in the form of chocolate bars, energy drinks, or ice cream shakes with the aim to increase their weight by about 5%. At the end of the monitoring period, their blood pressure was tested again.
When compared with ten other individuals who maintained the same weight through the study, participants who gained weight exhibited an increase in systolic blood pressure from 114 mm Hg to 118 mm Hg. Moreover, those who accumulated more abdominal fat saw a greater increase in their blood pressure.
However, mild weight gain of around 5 to 11 pounds did not alter levels of body sugars, cholesterol, or insulin. Systolic blood pressure, or the pressure exerted within the arteries during a heartbeat, increases the risk of heart disease in individuals over 50 years old if the reading exceeds 120 mm Hg.
While the average blood pressure readings in the study were within healthy limits, the results suggest that blood pressure could be impacted by short-term lifestyle alterations. Covassin outlines the importance of making people aware of the risks associated with even a slight weight gain. Next, the research will focus on replicating these findings in various demographics such as different age groups and individuals with a family history of high blood pressure.
This research, which was funded by both the National Institutes of Health and the AHA, was shared at the AHA’s High Blood Pressure Research Scientific Sessions 2014. As hypertension can often go unnoticed, the AHA advises to track blood pressure once every two years, even if the readings are normal. Additionally, a review of home blood pressure monitors was conducted by Medical News Today.