The Effect of DASH Diet on Anthropometric Indices and Body Composition in Healthy Obese Women

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly worldwide. Diet modification is one of the best possible solutions for prevention and treatment of obesity. One of the diets suggested in this context is the DASH diet (an antihypertensive diet). The present study was designed to determine the effectiveness of this diet on anthropometric indices and body composition in healthy obese women.   Methods: This study is a randomized parallel controlled trial, carried out on 44 healthy obese women. After an adjustment period, the participants were assigned to intervention (DASH diet) and control (usual dietary advice) groups. Anthropometric indices and body composition were assessed every 2 weeks. Data were analyzed using paired sample t-, independent sample t-, and analysis of covariance tests.   Results: After following the DASH eating pattern for three months, variables of weight (p=0.04), body mass index (p=0.03), waist circumference (p=0.01), and waist to hip ratio (p=0.02) significantly decreased compared to the control group. However, no significant change was observed in body composition of the participants (p≥0.05).   Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of obesity, adherence to the DASH diet, as health promotion model, is recommended for prevention of various disorders, especially obesity.