Recent developments in the treatment of obesity-related hypertension

Purpose of review 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. Recent findings 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. Summary Both non-pharmacologically and pharmcologically 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.