How does obesity contribute to hypertension?

Obesity contributes to hypertension primarily by raising resistance in blood vessels. When an individual is obese, there is an increase in body fat, which often leads to inflammation and changes in the function of blood vessels. The excess body mass can cause the blood vessels to become stiffer and less compliant, leading to increased vascular resistance. This heightened resistance means the heart must exert more force to pump blood through the narrowed or less compliant arteries, which in turn raises blood pressure.

Furthermore, obesity is associated with metabolic changes and the secretion of hormones that can adversely affect vascular health, contributing to the narrowing of blood vessels. Several mechanisms, including the overproduction of certain substances like angiotensin II related to renal function and altered endothelial function due to excess fatty tissue, play roles here as well. All of this culminates in a consistently higher blood pressure, which is the hallmark of hypertension.

In contrast, options like reducing blood volume or improving blood flow do not accurately reflect the physiological impact of obesity on hypertension. Instead, the key aspect is the increased resistance that is created due to the structural and functional changes in vascular systems associated with obesity.