What is a primary strategy for preventing hypertension?

Maintaining a healthy weight is considered a primary strategy for preventing hypertension because excess body weight can contribute significantly to the development of high blood pressure. When a person is overweight or obese, the body requires more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues, which can increase the pressure on artery walls. Additionally, excess weight is often associated with the accumulation of fatty deposits that can narrow and stiffen blood vessels, leading to greater resistance against blood flow and subsequently higher blood pressure.

Research consistently shows that weight management through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing hypertension. Furthermore, even modest weight loss in overweight individuals can lead to significant improvements in blood pressure levels, demonstrating that maintaining a healthy weight is an effective preventive measure against hypertension.

Other strategies, such as dietary modifications, reducing sodium intake, and engaging in regular physical activity, also contribute significantly to hypertension prevention, but maintaining a healthy weight particularly targets one of the root causes of high blood pressure.