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Original poster

High blood pressure & weight loss

29 replies

Bettyboop3 · 15/04/2023 10:35

I am just interested to know if anybody has successfully lowered their blood pressure by cutting out alcohol and losing weight.

OP posts:
Fleaflyflow · 15/04/2023 11:08

Patients who make lifestyle changes to reduce weight, reduce alcohol, refrain from smoking, make dietary changes lowering salt etc and increase exercise, do successfully reduce their blood pressure. Most people don’t make lifestyle changes and take the medication instead. It’s great you are interested in making changes.

Original poster
Bettyboop3 · 15/04/2023 11:11

Thank you so much for replying. I really don't want to take medicatiin but am really worried as i don't know how long my blood pressure has been too high for. I have fallen into bad habits with alcohol and am hoping that just quitting that completely will be a major start.

OP posts:
RudsyFarmer · 15/04/2023 11:13

A female I know ignored high blood pressure for a long time and ended up having a stroke. She was young. Just be careful.

worktired · 15/04/2023 13:26

If your bp is high it may be worth starting on medication, then reviewing when you've lost weight/increased fitness. Especially as you don't know how long it's been high for.

I know people who've come off medication following weight loss/increase in fitness.

BadGranny · 15/04/2023 13:32

Yes. I lost 20kg. My BP went down from 143/86 to 112/67.

grapehyacinthisactuallyblue · 15/04/2023 13:37

cutting out alcohol and losing weight.

It's actually significant. You know it if you have actually tried it. I wanted to lose some weight so I can fit into the clothes, only thing I had to do is stop drinking. It only took me about a month to go down in size.

theheights · 15/04/2023 13:58

I'm actually on this journey at the moment. The GP put me on meds but I am determined to come off them! So I'm currently on a good eating plan, have significantly cut back alcohol and I am walking every day for at least 20 minutes (aiming to get that to 30 minutes). I want to lose 3 stone and then talk to my GP to see if the meds can be reduced/stopped.

If your BP is really high I would honestly take the meds but think of it as a 'temporary measure'. That's what I'm doing anyway.

Original poster
Bettyboop3 · 15/04/2023 14:10

grapehyacinthisactuallyblue · 15/04/2023 13:37

cutting out alcohol and losing weight.

It's actually significant. You know it if you have actually tried it. I wanted to lose some weight so I can fit into the clothes, only thing I had to do is stop drinking. It only took me about a month to go down in size.

Thank you, that's very encouraging.

OP posts:
Original poster
Bettyboop3 · 15/04/2023 14:13

theheights · 15/04/2023 13:58

I'm actually on this journey at the moment. The GP put me on meds but I am determined to come off them! So I'm currently on a good eating plan, have significantly cut back alcohol and I am walking every day for at least 20 minutes (aiming to get that to 30 minutes). I want to lose 3 stone and then talk to my GP to see if the meds can be reduced/stopped.

If your BP is really high I would honestly take the meds but think of it as a 'temporary measure'. That's what I'm doing anyway.

I also have around 3 stone to lose. I have dogs so i have to walk but am finding my knees hurt a lot. Am hoping that will also improve when i lose weight. I'm worried about side affects from medication. I can't take painkillers or many anti biotics and while i know this is different it's still a genuine worry to me. Maybe i should bite the bullet and try and get a gp app, if that's even a possibility. I have just done my weekly shop and it's all good healthy stuff and no alcohol 💪

OP posts:
Original poster
Bettyboop3 · 15/04/2023 14:15

theheights · 15/04/2023 13:58

I'm actually on this journey at the moment. The GP put me on meds but I am determined to come off them! So I'm currently on a good eating plan, have significantly cut back alcohol and I am walking every day for at least 20 minutes (aiming to get that to 30 minutes). I want to lose 3 stone and then talk to my GP to see if the meds can be reduced/stopped.

If your BP is really high I would honestly take the meds but think of it as a 'temporary measure'. That's what I'm doing anyway.

I'm so sorry, i should also say best of luck to you too. We can do this!!

OP posts:
Eightiesgirl · 15/04/2023 14:19

Start drinking beetroot juice. It is an acquired taste but I know from personal experience it lowers blood pressure quite quickly. I've never been on blood pressure medication, so I'd recommend checking with your GP first but it really worked for me. I also cut out salt and alcohol completely. Good luck.

Gloschick · 15/04/2023 14:31

Theoretically, your BP goes down by 10mmHg for every 10kg weight you lose.

Vallmo47 · 15/04/2023 14:36

I’ve lost 4 stone through lane swimming 5 times a week and walking everywhere, along with improving my diet. My blood pressure was 140/92 when obese and is now 114/75. My pulse has also gone down from 110 when unfit to 65. It is possible OP but don’t let your fear of medication stop you from doing both. Medication has its place. Good luck!

whowhatwerewhy · 15/04/2023 14:47

Hi 👋 just going through the same as you op . I'm going to go on the medication but hopefully lose the weight so I can come off them .

Original poster
Bettyboop3 · 15/04/2023 14:51

Eightiesgirl · 15/04/2023 14:19

Start drinking beetroot juice. It is an acquired taste but I know from personal experience it lowers blood pressure quite quickly. I've never been on blood pressure medication, so I'd recommend checking with your GP first but it really worked for me. I also cut out salt and alcohol completely. Good luck.

How much do you need to drink daily and where do you find that in the supermarket? Must admit it sounds awful but if it works . . .

OP posts:
Original poster
Bettyboop3 · 15/04/2023 14:52

Vallmo47 · 15/04/2023 14:36

I’ve lost 4 stone through lane swimming 5 times a week and walking everywhere, along with improving my diet. My blood pressure was 140/92 when obese and is now 114/75. My pulse has also gone down from 110 when unfit to 65. It is possible OP but don’t let your fear of medication stop you from doing both. Medication has its place. Good luck!

That's brilliant, well done! I was thinking of going swimming again once i can fit in my costume.

OP posts:
Original poster
Bettyboop3 · 15/04/2023 14:53

whowhatwerewhy · 15/04/2023 14:47

Hi 👋 just going through the same as you op . I'm going to go on the medication but hopefully lose the weight so I can come off them .

How much do you need to lose, if you don't mind me asking? Also, does anyone find it hatder to lose weight if older, i'm early fifties.

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 15/04/2023 14:57

Mine did go down when I lost weight

But remember HBP is a killer, so take them for the interim if you need to. I didn’t for ages and realised I was being an idiot

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/04/2023 14:58

… also OP by the 50s some people do have raised BP for genetic reasons so it maybe a combo of lifestyle changes and meds you need.

Eightiesgirl · 15/04/2023 15:00

@Bettyboop3 they sell it in Tesco and Asda. You do get used to the taste. I used to drink a glass in the morning just once a day. There is an organic one in a purple carton that I found to be the best, sorry can't just remember the name.

Eightiesgirl · 15/04/2023 15:02

@Bettyboop3 its called Beet it.

Original poster
Bettyboop3 · 15/04/2023 15:13

Eightiesgirl · 15/04/2023 15:02

@Bettyboop3 its called Beet it.

Thank you, i will give it a go.

OP posts:
whowhatwerewhy · 15/04/2023 15:16

Hi I would say I need to lose 4stone 😱 also early 50 s. Stood on the scales for the first time in years and OMG . So todays shopping was more healthy stuff .
Im being realistic and am hoping to do 2 lb a week so I stay motivated 🤞.
I know I'm on a long journey but I've taken the first step .

RaisingH · 15/04/2023 15:22

I was on medication for high BP. I then lost 101lb and took up walking and weight lifting. Not needed the BP meds since last summer as BP now normal.

RaisingH · 15/04/2023 15:23

RaisingH · 15/04/2023 15:22

I was on medication for high BP. I then lost 101lb and took up walking and weight lifting. Not needed the BP meds since last summer as BP now normal.

Forgot to say I'm 53.