Recent developments in the treatment of obesity-related hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
Obesity is a major public health issue, and hypertension is one of the most common associated co-morbidities. Here, recent developments in the treatment of obesity-related hypertension, published during the past year, are reviewed.


RESULTS
Several recent studies have examined the effect of dietary and lifestyle changes on hypertension. These studies uniformly confirm that weight reduction together with salt restriction and increased physical exercise can lower blood pressure. Several studies have shown that pharmacologically induced weight reduction with orlistat or sibutramine can likewise be beneficial in the management of obese hypertensive patients. The role of surgery in obesity remains to be defined.


CONCLUSIONS
Both non-pharmacologically and pharmacologically induced weight loss can lower blood pressure in obese hypertensive patients. The effects of weight loss and pharmacological management on morbidity and mortality in obese hypertensive patients remains to be addressed in prospective trials.
Franz Volhard Clinic - HELIOS-Klinikum Berlin Buch, Charité, Medical Faculty of the Humboldt University Berlin, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Germany.
Tobias
T
Pischon
Arya M
AM
Sharma
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002309:Cardiology / Q000639:trends*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents