Objective. To investigate the role of leptin, its soluble receptors, free leptin index and resistin in development of metabolic syndrome (MS) and to estimate the efficiency of a diet modification. design and methods. Altogether 90 patients with arterial hypertension (HTN) 1–2 degrees without any preceding antihypertensive therapy were enrolled: a group of obese subjects (n = 70), patients without obesity (n = 20); 25 normotensive patients with obesity but without other metabolic disturbances; 30 almost healthy individuals (average age — 48,2 ± 2,4 years). Insulin level, HOMA-IR, leptin, leptin receptors, resistin, free leptin index (FLI = leptin × 100/sLR).) were determined. All patients had followed a diet for 6 months. Results. The leptin, FLI, НОМА-IR and resistin levels were higher, while sLR was lower in MS group compared to controls. In the group of patients with HTN without obesity a significant increase in the resistin level was found compared to normotensive subjects. The FLI was directly related to triglyceride (R = 0,42; р = 0,04), uric acid levels (R = 0,39; р = 0,03), and LDL levels (R = 0,39; р = 0,03), and HOMA-IR (R = 0,42; р = 0,04). Resistin correlated with blood pressure (R = 0,36; р = 0,04), triglycerides (R = 0,42; р = 0,04), and HOMA-IR (R = 0,37; р = 0,04). Conclusions. Blood pressure in obese patients is associated with increased level of resistin, leptin resistance and low plasma level of soluble leptin receptors. The free leptin index is a more accurate marker for leptin resistance. The resistin can be considered as an unfavorable marker of metabolic disturbances in hypertensive patients, regardless of the presence of obesity.