IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-6-11-13230 Original Research Paper Effectiveness of a weight loss programme including low calorie DASH diet and brisk walking in reducing blood pressure levels in obese female patients Shiby. T.G Dr. Dr Anupa Lucas Dr. Dr Syed Khaja Hussain. A Dr. November 2017 6 11 01 02 ABSTRACT

 The prevalence of obesity is rising alarmingly in low and middle income countries. Risk of hypertension increases with weight gain. This study aimed to find out the reduction in blood pressure achieved by a weight loss programme which included a low calorie DASH diet and brisk walking. We screened 262 patients from obesity clinic and selected 60 hypertensive patients with systolic BP of 120 to 139 mm of Hg and diastolic BP of 80 to 89 mm of Hg. Baseline BMI and BP was recorded. They were prescribed a low calorie DASH diet and brisk walking of 150 minutes per week. The BMI and BP were assessed at the end of six months. There was a decrease in systolic BP of 9.1+0.4 mm of Hg and diastolic BP of 6.2+0.6.mm Hg following a reduction of BMI of 4.05 +0.2. Weight reduction was associated with lowering of blood pressure in obese females