Yes, it seems that a recent study by researchers of obesity has reported that the stereotype that we've all come to accept is simply not accurate.

Surprisingly, and contrary to everything we've thought and believed for years, this study indicates that about half of all overweight people have normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

It now seems that this half of all obese people can actually be considered to be otherwise healthy.

This national study has also cast a shadow over the health of the thinner portion of the population. It says that an astounding one-half of thinner and visually "fit" people are at risk for hypertension and heart disease.

Fifty one percent of the obese people had rather normal blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol levels while over a quarter of their thinner counterparts, (those falling within the recommended height and weight range) were reported to have elevated levels of at least two of these factors.

Those of healthy weight included in the study were found to have elevated blood pressure when their waist measurement was larger. This indicates that internal fat deposits surrounding the abdominal organs were responsible for the increased blood pressure.

While there have always been exceptions in either category, this is the first time that a national health study has reported literally millions of exceptions to what has long been considered the "norm" of society.

With increasing argument over a consistent method of measuring "overweight", numerous medical researchers are now claiming that waist size is more important than weight in controlling these factors including blood pressure.

While this is definitely good news to so many people, it is also a shocking wake up call to those who felt immune to the disease based on the fact that they had thinness on their side. Regardless of height or weight, everyone should monitor their blood pressure regularly as a precaution and preventive measure.

Several tips are offered here which you can follow to help you attain the most accurate blood pressure reading. These are the following:

-Stay away from caffeine and nicotine for at least half an hour prior to a blood pressure test is to be taken.

-Wear short sleeves so that the upper arm can be exposed with little or no effort.

-Sit quietly with your back supported, both feet flat on the floor, and arms resting on a table at heart level for at least five minutes prior to the test.

-Always have your blood pressure tested when your bladder is empty. A full and uncomfortable bladder can easily skew a blood pressure reading.

-Ask for two readings, two minutes apart so that you may get an average.

Regardless of age, height, weight, or waist size, one thing is true, and that is preventing high blood pressure can only happen with proper and frequent monitoring.

If you have high blood pressure and are suffering from it, you can benefit from my Hypertension Program, which helps bring your blood pressure down naturally and quickly. And if you are overweight, you can check out my Weight Loss Breeze Program.