Randomized weight loss intervention did not significantly reduce mortality (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.75-1.26; P=0.84), but observed weight loss >5% was associated with lower mortality (HR 0.82).
RCT (n=3,828)
Does a weight loss intervention or observed weight change reduce long-term mortality in individuals with high normal blood pressure?
While a randomized weight loss intervention did not significantly reduce long-term mortality, observed weight loss was associated with a mortality benefit over a 23-year follow-up.
Effect estimate: HR 0.97 (95% CI 0.75-1.26)
p-value: p=0.84
Although weight loss improves blood pressure (BP), its association with mortality remains unclear. In the Trials of Hypertension Prevention (TOHP), individuals aged 30-54 years with high normal BP were randomized to weight loss, usual care or other intervention over 18 months (TOHP I) or 3-4 years (TOHP II), with average 23-year mortality follow-up. We examined mortality and (a) randomized weight loss and (b) observed weight change among all with high baseline weight. Among 2964 randomized participants, 227 deaths occurred, with no intervention difference (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.75-1.26, P = 0.84). Among 3828 high-weight participants, weight change was directly related to mortality (HR = 1.14 per 5% change, 95% CI = 1.02-1.28, P = 0.019). During the trial 15% lost >5% (HR = 0.82), 29% lost 0-5% (HR = 1.29) (P-trend = 0.046). This is consistent with a long-term beneficial effect of presumed intentional weight loss on mortality.
Cook et al. (Fri,) conducted a rct in high normal blood pressure (n=3,828). weight loss intervention vs. usual care or other intervention was evaluated on mortality (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.75-1.26, p=0.84). Randomized weight loss intervention did not significantly reduce mortality (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.75-1.26; P=0.84), but observed weight loss >5% was associated with lower mortality (HR 0.82).