The association between obesity and elevated blood pressure was widely recognized. Among hypertensive individuals, numerous studies had shown that short term weight reduction by caloric restriction resulted in a reduction of blood pressure. Results of several reports of long-term follow-up of weight reduction efforts indicated that long-term control of weight at levels compatible with the objectives of the HPT was feasible. A number of investigators had achieved these levels one or more years after treatment despite minimal intervention efforts during the follow-up period.