Office SBP ≥ 140mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90mmHg on two occasions
BMI 25 - 40 kg/m2
Waist circumference ≥ 88 cm (women) or ≥ 102 cm (men)
Sedentary lifestyle (\< 150 minutes/week of moderate intensity physical activity)
Weight stable (± 5 kg in the last 6 months)
Not on a weight loss diet
Willing to comply to an intervention of either a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet or physical activity (or control) for 6 months
You may not be if
Unable to provide informed consent
Pregnant or lactating
Office BP ≥ 160/100 mmHg
Diabetes mellitus type 1
History of cardiovascular disease (including uncompensated heart failure, recent infarction or stroke in the last 6 months, severe arrhythmia, heart failure or unstable angina pectoris)
Chronic kidney disease stages 4 or 5
Cancer in the last 5 years
Changes in concurrent medication (anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics, lipid-lowering drugs) in the last 3 months
Regular use of oral corticosteroids in excess of 5 mg prednisolone (or equivalent) during the last month
Use of GLP-1 analogues for \< 1 year
Drug or alcohol abuse
Eating disorders or severe dietary restrictions
Impediments to physical activity at recommended levels due to musculoskeletal and other conditions.
