Can weight loss reduce the need for blood pressure medicine?
Answer From Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D.
If you're overweight, losing even just 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) can lower your blood pressure. The more weight you lose, the more blood pressure can drop. As you lose weight, it may be possible to reduce your dose of blood pressure medicine. Or you might be able to stop taking blood pressure medicine completely. Never make changes to your blood pressure medicine on your own, however. Talk to your healthcare team first.
Remember, high blood pressure isn't a condition you treat once and then ignore. Even if you're safely able to stop taking blood pressure medicine, it's always important to follow healthy habits. Here's how:
- Eat a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains and low in salt, trans fats and saturated fats.
- Manage your weight.
- Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily.
- Have regular health checkups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
With
Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D.
Show References
- Mancia G, et al. 2023 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. Journal of Hypertension. 2023; doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000003480.
- 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Accessed Nov. 16, 2021.
- DASH eating plan. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/dash-eating-plan. Accessed Nov. 16, 2021.
- Managing weight to control high blood pressure. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-weight-to-control-high-blood-pressure. Accessed Nov. 16, 2021.
- Lopez-Jimenez F (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Nov. 16, 2021.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure-medication/FAQ-20058056