title: Obesity and hypertension: It's about more than the numbers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This editorial comments on the recent Obesity Society and American Society of Hypertension joint position paper, justified by the substantial link between obesity and hypertension (HTN).
  
  
  METHODS
  The editorial reviews the expert opinions. Other relevant clinical research is highlighted, such as an obesity paradox. Evidence-based lifestyle changes, drugs, and behavorial modification and newer agents are highlighted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Areas of controversy are noted. Despite the importance of renin angiotensin system blockage, future federal guidelines may maintain thiazides as first choice, even with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes (DM). Chlorthalidone, 12.5-25 mg, has shown cardiovascular benefit, including with MetS and DM.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The conclusion calls for more research. However, the identification and elimination of racial/ethnic disparities should be addressed more explicitly. To better understand the obesity-hypertension linkage, curtail costs, and decrease premature disease and death, this excellent position paper is essential.
authors.affiliation: Tulane Heart and Vascular Institute, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. kferdina@tulane.edu
authors.forename: Keith C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Ferdinand
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002752:Chlorthalidone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008019:Life Style; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide; D002752:Chlorthalidone