diet and exercise... cardiovascular calorie burning exercise. - physiobob has got it in one... to lose weight you must burn more calories than you eat. suggest referral to a dietician/nutritionist and if the patient's only problem is hypertension (?due to being overweight) then so long as their doctor says it's ok, get them exercising... lots!...walk, ride a bike, hiking, swimming, gym, personal trainer, treadmill... etc... anything that burns calories, then ensure they're eating well and not too many calories and your patient should lose weight. are there sporting groups your patient can join (50 is still very young by the way! but perhaps a "masters" group) for exercise.