- High blood pressure is generally a clinic reading of 140/90 mmHg or more (135/85 at home).
- As a rough guide, blood pressure falls by about 1 mmHg for every kilogram of weight lost.
- Cutting salt and alcohol and staying active add to the benefit.
Why weight affects blood pressure
Carrying extra weight makes the heart work harder to pump blood around the body, and fat around the middle affects hormones and the kidneys in ways that raise pressure in the arteries. Over time, high blood pressure strains the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and eyes.
The numbers to know
| Reading | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Below 120/80 mmHg | Ideal |
| 120/80 – 139/89 mmHg | Higher than ideal — a good time to make changes |
| 140/90 mmHg or above (clinic) | High blood pressure |
Because one reading can be misleading, diagnosis is usually confirmed with home or 24-hour monitoring. Adults over 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years — many pharmacies offer free checks.
How much difference weight loss makes
Studies suggest blood pressure falls by roughly 1 mmHg for each kilogram lost. Losing 5–10 kg can therefore make a difference similar to some blood-pressure medicines — and the benefits add up with other changes.
Other changes that help
- Salt: keep to less than 6 g a day (about a teaspoon) — most comes from bread, ready meals and processed food.
- Alcohol: stay within 14 units a week, spread over several days.
- Activity: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. See our activity guide.
- Fruit and vegetables: potassium-rich foods help balance the effects of salt.
If you already take blood-pressure medicines, keep taking them and tell your GP as you lose weight — your doses may need reviewing.
Not sure if medical weight loss is right for you?
Our free online assessment takes about five minutes. A GPhC-registered prescriber reviews it and only recommends treatment if it is safe and suitable for you.
Start the free assessmentFrequently asked questions
Can losing weight mean I stop blood-pressure tablets?
Some people can reduce or stop medicines after losing weight, but only with your GP’s advice. Never stop them on your own.
Does high blood pressure make me eligible for medical weight loss?
High blood pressure is a weight-related condition, so treatment may be considered from a BMI of 27 (24.5 for some ethnic backgrounds). See our eligibility guide.
How often should I check my blood pressure at home?
Follow your GP’s advice. A common approach is to take two readings morning and evening for a week, then average them.
This page is general health information. It does not replace advice from your GP or another healthcare professional who knows your history. If you have symptoms that worry you, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999. Prescription treatment is only supplied after an assessment by a registered prescriber.