Effects of weight reduction on arterial pressure.

Obesity and hypertension are closely correlated. Weight loss obtained with hypocaloric diet and without reduced sodium intake affected a considerable fall in systolic and diastolic pressures in overweight hypertensive patients. This pressure-weight reduction was maintained for at least 12-18 months. The mechanism(s) for the pressure reduction may be explained by a decreased sympathetic activity associated with a reduced participation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, natriuresis, contracted plasma volume, and a reversal of the high cardiac output state.