1. John is a 45-year-old man who has been diagnosed with

hypertension and obesity. He wants to improve his health

by making some lifestyle changes. His doctor has advised

him to reduce his sodium intake, increase his physical

activity, and lose weight. Which of the following strategies

would be most effective for John to achieve these goals?

a) Follow a DASH diet, join a gym, and monitor his weight

weekly.

b) Cut out all processed foods, walk for 30 minutes every

day, and set a realistic weight loss target.

c) Use salt substitutes, do some resistance training, and

follow a low-carb diet.

d) *Limit his sodium intake to less than 1500 mg per day,

do moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 150

minutes per week, and create a calorie deficit of 500 kcal

per day.*

Rationale: Option d is the most effective strategy for John

because it follows the evidence-based recommendations for

hypertension and obesity management. A DASH diet

(option a) is also beneficial for lowering blood pressure,

but it may not be enough to achieve weight loss. Cutting

out all processed foods (option b) may reduce sodium

intake, but it may also eliminate some healthy foods such

as whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats. Salt

substitutes (option c) may contain potassium chloride,

which can interact with some blood pressure medications

and cause hyperkalemia. Resistance training (option c) is

good for building muscle mass and strength, but it may not