[Relationship between obesity and arterial hypertension]

The statistical correlation between obesity and essential hypertension is well established. The beneficial effect of weight reduction and the detrimental effect of weight gain on blood pressure have also been repeatedly demonstrated. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this correlation are still obscure, but various hypotheses, which sometimes favour different types of diet, have been put forward. Some studies suggest that energy restriction and salt restriction might have independent beneficial effects. Furthermore, the metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity are often improved by diet, whereas antihypertensive drugs may have deleterious effects. It would be of interest to know whether blood pressure response to diet is dependent upon the type of obesity. Controlled clinical trials comparing the effects of drugs and diet are highly desirable.