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Updated: May 30, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Hypertension in obesity
L Romayne Kurukulasuriya1, Sameer Stas, Guido Lastra
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA. romaynel@health.missouri.edu
Insights
Obesity and hypertension (HTN) are global health issues. Treating HTN to goal and preventing obesity are crucial for managing cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease consequences.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Hypertension (HTN) is a prevalent obesity-related health problem, with visceral obesity being a significant contributor.
- A low percentage (31%) of hypertensive patients achieve treatment goals, leading to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality.
- Obesity-related HTN involves complex, interrelated mechanisms including RAAS activation, SNS, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms underlying obesity-related hypertension.
- To discuss current and potential therapeutic strategies for managing hypertension in obese individuals.
- To emphasize the importance of weight management and blood pressure control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on obesity-related hypertension mechanisms and treatments.
- Analysis of postulated factors contributing to obesity-induced HTN.
- Evaluation of current treatment guidelines and research trials.
Main Results:
- Several factors contribute to obesity-related HTN, including RAAS and SNS activation, insulin resistance, and hormonal dysregulation.
- Current evidence does not strongly favor one antihypertensive drug class over another for obese patients.
- Obesity management through lifestyle changes, medication, or bariatric surgery is essential.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of obesity-related HTN requires a multifaceted approach.
- Preventing and treating obesity, alongside achieving blood pressure goals, is paramount.
- Further research is needed to elucidate specific mechanisms and targeted treatments for obesity-related HTN.
Abstract:
Obesity and HTN are on the rise in the world. HTN seems to be the most common obesity-related health problem and visceral obesity seems to be the major culprit. Unfortunately, only 31% of hypertensives are treated to goal. This translates into an increased incidence of CVD and related morbidity and mortality. Several mechanisms have been postulated as the causes of obesity-related HTN. Activation of the RAAS, SNS, insulin resistance, leptin, adiponectin, dysfunctional fat, FFA, resistin, 11 Beta dehydrogenase, renal structural and hemodynamic changes, and OSA are some of the abnormalities in obesity-related HTN. Many of these factors are interrelated. Treatment of obesity should begin with weight loss via lifestyle modifications, medications, or bariatric surgery. According to the mechanisms of obesity-related HTN, it seems that drugs that blockade the RAAS and target the SNS should be ideal for treatment. There is not much evidence in the literature that one drug is better than another in controlling obesity-related HTN. There have only been a few studies specifically targeting the obese hypertensive patient, but recent trials that emphasize the importance of BP control have enrolled both overweight and obese subjects. Until we have further studies with more in-depth information about the mechanisms of obesity-related HTN and what the targeted treatment should be, the most important factor necessary to control the obesity-related HTN pandemic and its CVD and CKD consequences is to prevent and treat obesity and to treat HTN to goal.
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