The management of hypertension associated with obesity

For the past several decades, treatment of primary hypertension has relied chiefly upon the use of pharmacologic agents. Many hypertensive patients are obese. Evidence is accumulating that their hypertension may be reversed by aggressive and comprehensive regimens for weight reduction. Controlled studies are needed to determine whether there may be particular subtypes of obesity which respond more favorably to such management and to evaluate the long-term benefits of the dietary approach.