A recent study presented at the 2014 American Heart Association’s (AHA) High Blood Pressure Research Scientific Sessions in San Francisco indicates that a small gain of even 5 pounds of abdominal fat can raise blood pressure.
It was a small study, but the participants gained from 5 to 11 pounds during the study and had increase in blood pressure. The rise in blood pressure was even greater when the weight was gained in the abdominal area.
One thing to remember is that the holidays are coming and it is common for individuals to gain up to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. It is more than just the visual effects of weight gain. There are health concerns to be aware of as well.