Patients with Hypertension Who Lose Substantial Amounts of Weight Can Positively Impact Risk Factors and Need for Medications

Objectives:  Overweight is a known risk factor for hypertension and weight loss is recommended as the initial therapeutic task. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if hypertensive patients who participate in a structured, research-based behavioral program can positively impact their medical risk factors and need for blood pressure medications.

Subjects:  Patients who entered the HMR^® Program for Weight Management^TM with systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg and were not on blood pressure medications. Data were analyzed for those who completed a follow-up health risk appraisal from January, 2005, to April, 2007, and entered the maintenance program.

Programs:  HMR offers a range of weight-loss treatment options, including medically supervised low and very low-calorie diets, moderately restricted diets and phone-based programs as well as long-term maintenance. The program is based on measurable, evidence-based variables allowing for specific goals to be set and compliance to be tracked. All options for weight loss and maintenance focus on the same lifestyle changes: increased physical activity (> 2000 kcal/wk); use of meal replacements (> 35/wk in weight loss and 14/wk in maintenance); increased vegetable and fruit intake (> 35/wk) is included in some weight-loss options and in maintenance.

Results: 

Conclusions:  Patients who lost substantial amounts of weight and made lifestyle changes in a structured weight management program were able to avoid the need for hypertensive medications. Weight loss and lifestyle changes should be the first therapeutic task for hypertensive patients.