OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to elucidate the separate effects of energy restriction and weight loss on blood pressure (BP) and to assess the relationship between sodium intake, weight loss, and BP. METHODS: Two hundred and eight overweight and obese subjects (age: 52.4 +/- 0.8 yrs; BMI 33.6 +/- 0.3 kg/m(2)) completed a weight loss diet program consisting of 8-12 weeks of moderate energy restriction (ER; approximately 30% energy deficit, unrestricted salt intake) and four weeks of energy balance (EB). Body weight and BP were measured at baseline, the midpoint, and the end of ER and after EB. 24-hr Na+ excretion was measured at baseline and at the end of EB. RESULTS: Overall, body weight reduced progressively by 7.0 +/- 0.2 kg (7.5%; p