Even 5% weight loss can do wonders for blood pressure and heart health

HAT if losing just a few kilos could protect your heart, lower your blood pressure, and even reduce your risk of stroke or dementia?

- RISHITA KHANNA @ Bengaluru

The American Heart Association's (AHA) latest 2025 blood pressure guidelines suggest exactly that. The findings reveal that shedding as little as 5% of body weight, something most people think of as a modest change, can bring measurable improvements in blood pressure and heart health, especially for those living with diabetes.

This shift in approach places everyday habits at the centre. Instead of focusing only on medication, the new guidelines highlight simple but powerful lifestyle steps like cutting back on salt, limiting alcohol, staying active, and most importantly, achieving modest weight loss.

Why do the guidelines matter?