Can you be obese and still have normal blood pressure levels?

I think it depends on genetics and cardiovascular fitness. At one point I was over 300 pounds, this was when i was 29 years old. I don’t know what my blood pressure was then but I can guess it was horrific. My ideal body weight is around 180 pounds. As I am ~6ft tall with thick wrists and ankles.

I had worked down to 240 pounds thanks to the help of a genius personal trainer who I was lucky enough to go to two of her sessions and get her diet advice. Then I let my guard down being so happy with my progress and went back to eating a horrific diet for 4 months. I weighed 258 pounds when I first took my blood pressure. It came out at an idiotic 183/119. This is what scared me into researching about high blood pressure.

When I eventually figured out a plan and instituted it on myself I got into the normal range for blood pressure while still weighing 240 pounds. I still consider that I was obese at this point. On the other hand I was able to walk up mountains, so my cardiovascular fitness was impressive for someone so heavy.

From what I have seen in other people the body is able to handle a surprising amount of extra weight, IF, the arteries have been cleaned out of plaque, and the artery walls repaired, and the person has an exercise program that has improved their cardiovascular fitness level.

I still recommend getting to a healthy body weight for yourself. Because logically you will be better off if there is less strain on your organs through your life. -Douglas Burns