Energy balance
Weight loss of 3-9% body weight significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in overweight individuals, with mechanisms involving reduced blood volume, cardiac output, and plasma renin activity.
If you are overweight, losing just 3-9% of your body weight can lower your blood pressure by about 3 mm Hg. This is achieved through a monitored program involving energy restriction and increased physical activity. You do not need to lose a massive amount of weight to see benefits, and this approach may also reduce the need for medication.
Most randomized controlled studies have shown that even a modest weight loss of 3–9 % is associated with a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of roughly 3 mm Hg in overweight people.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple RCTs and meta-analyses (TOHP I, II, TONE, Brand et al. 2000), though one meta-analysis noted pooled data did not reach statistical significance for all comparisons.
Source
Diet, blood pressure and hypertension
Kjeld Hermansen · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2000
DOI 10.1017/s0007114500001045
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