Weight loss intervention has achieved a significant decrease of blood pressure and cholesterol

Introduction: This work has been part of a programme carried on 10 pharmacy offices (PO) in Madrid, and has consisted of an effective intervention for a healthy loss of weight in overweight adults. Objective: Achievement of a significative weight loss measured by the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Study the decrease of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and blood cholesterol. Method: Longitudinal study of 6 months with nutritional intervention. People chosen randomly among users of 10 PO. Record of anthropometric and biochemical parameters on fortnightly visits, and a questionnaire of physical activity and Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence. Training material on dietary guidelines, physical activity and MD. Results: Completed the intervention 158 users (21 of them were men), mean age = 48 +/- 15 years, BMI = 31,08 +/- 11 Kg/m(2). The number of users with hypertension increased exponentially with the BMI at the beginning of the intervention: BMI <25, up to 8% of users were hypertensive; BMI between 25 and <30, up to 16% were hypertensive; BMI between 30 and <35, up to 29% were hypertensive; BMI between 35 and <40, up to 32% were hypertensive; BMI between 40 and 45, up to 80% were hypertensive. The same association was found between age and hypertension. The BMI, SBP, and blood cholesterol levels have decreased significantly (BMI from 31.08 +/- 11 to 28.5 +/- 11; SBP from 123 +/- 14 down to 118 +/- 12 mmHg, and cholesterol from 205 +/- 30 down to 191 +/- 25 mg/dl). Conclusions: People who have completed the intervention have achieved a significant weight-loss. The PO is an effective means to help users who have asked for support, to loose weight in a healthy way, associated with the weight loss there have been a significant reduction of total cholesterol and SBP. All above has resulted in cardiovascular benefit. (C) 2012 Elsevier Espana, S.L. and SEA. All rights reserved.