Obesity and hypertension: 5 lbs weight loss can lower diastolic blood pressure 7 points

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Monday, May 24, 2004 9:10 am Email this article
Losing 5 pounds decreases diastolic pressure by 7 mmHg and losing 10 pounds reduced it by 11.6 mmHg according to a study by McCarron and Reusser (1996).

Excess body weight is responsible for 40 to 50 percent of all cases of hypertension. Modest weight loss can significantly reduce blood pressure and the need for medication.

It’s estimated that half of all hypertensives could eliminate the need for medication with modest weight loss.

About 50 million Americans, or one out of four adults, have high blood pressure according to the National Kidney Foundation.

REFERENCES

Meisler JG, St Jeor S. Forward. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Mar 1996, 63[3 Suppl]:409S-11S.

McCarron DA, Reusser ME. Body weight and blood pressure regulation. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Mar 1996, 63[3 Suppl]:423S-5S.

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