Weight Loss and Reduction in Blood Pressure

To the Editor: Reisin et al. show quite convincingly in their article, “Effect of Weight Loss without Salt Restriction on the Reduction of Blood Pressure in Overweight Hypertensive Patients,” in the January 5 issue of the Journal, that weight loss in obese hypertensive patients is associated with a marked fall in blood pressure. Since salt intake was not restricted in their patients they conclude that the hypertension of obesity and the fall of blood pressure seen in obese patients after weight reduction are unrelated to salt intake. Although not stated as such, the implication is quite clear that the.