A literature review of pharmacist's impact on lifestyle modifications among obese, hypertensive patients

Objectives: Previous trials have confirmed a positive relationship between obesity and hypertension. The purpose of this article is to identify the impact of pharmacists in lifestyle adherence among obese, hypertensive patients. Methods: A literature search was performed at an academic institution using secondary databases, PubMed/MEDLINE and EBSCOhost. Reviews, observational and experimental reports published in English between 2010 and 2020 were included. Terms searched were pharmacy, pharmacist, lifestyle modifications, adherence, compliance, hypertension, obesity, consultation, intervention. Effect on lifestyle modifications consisted of change in blood pressure values, weight, body mass index, diet/sodium intake and/or exercise. Key findings: Six hundred seventy-five articles were reviewed with 10 meeting inclusion criteria. The role of a pharmacist has a positive impact on compliance in lifestyle adherence with obese, hypertensive patients. Additionally, age, gender marital status, education, monthly income, knowledge level and beliefs of hypertension and co-morbidities all can affect adherence to lifestyle modifications. Conclusions: The pharmacist has a vital role in the management of hypertension and obesity through frequent interactions with patients to increase adherence to lifestyle modifications.