High-Protein Diet May Help Maintain Blood Pressure Reduction after Weight Loss

Blood pressure (BP) reduction after weight loss is better maintained when protein intake is increased at the expense of carbohydrates, researchers say. After an 8-week weight-loss period, 420 overweight adult participants were randomized to high-protein or lower-protein diets for 26 weeks. Systolic BP increased in both groups, but it was 2.2 mm Hg less in the high-protein group than in the lower-protein group. A larger difference was observed (−4.2 mm Hg) in prehypertensive participants. The effect was attenuated after adjustment for initial BP (−3.4 mm Hg), and after additional adjustment for weight change (−2.7 mm Hg). Diastolic BP yielded similar results, according to the Journal of Human Hypertension analysis.