Randomized. A total of 585 overweight subjects were assigned in a 2 x 2 factorial design to weight loss, sodium reduction, combined weight loss and sodium reduction, or usual life-style control. The remaining 390 subjects of normal weight were assigned in a 2-armed design to a sodium reduction or an attention control group. The control groups were engaged in a series of non-blood pressure related health encounters designed to control for non-specific effects of groups contacts. Withdrawal of antihypertensive medication was attempted following three months of intervention. The primary endpoint was a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg or greater, resumption of antihypertensive drug therapy, or the occurrence of a blood pressure-related clinical complication during two to three years of follow-up. Recruitment ended in June, 1994. Follow-up ended in December, 1995. NHLBI support for the trial ended in March, 1997. The NIA supported the Coordinating Center and two clinical centers through February 1998.