ASSESSING THE EFFICACY OF A 90 DAY GLUTEN-FREE DIET ON CHANGE IN WEIGHT AND ANTHROPOMETRY IN HYPERTENSIVE MALES

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a gluten-free diet on change in weight, blood pressure and anthropometry [waist circumference (WC), Waist to hip ratio (WHR), Body mass Index (BMI)] after 90 days in hypertensive males. Design and method: A cross-sectional study on 200 male patients with uncontrolled hypertension was carried out to assess the effect of a 90 day gluten-free diet on blood pressure, weight and anthropometry. Patients (n = 200) were advised a 1800 kcals diet with 60% carbohydrates, 20% proteins and 20% fats. Patients (n = 100) were provided gluten-free dietary advice and 100 patients (control group) were advised to continue a gluten containing diet. Diet diary was maintained by patients and monitored weekly. Clinic blood pressure, height, Weight, Waist circumference and hip circumference measured using the NHANES standard procedures were obtained. BMI and WHR were calculated. Results: At the commencement of the trial 90% (180/200) of the patients had weight greater than their Ideal body weight, with 68% (136/200) being obese and 22% (44/200) overweight. Significant weight loss was observed in both gluten free diet (p < 0.0001) and control group (p < 0.05). Mean weight loss in control group was 7.66 ± 1.24 kgs and in gluten free group was 13.03 ± 2.42 kgs. The gluten-free diet was associated with significant weight loss and reduction in WC, WHR (p < 0.001) and both SBP and DBP (p < 0.0001). Significant reduction in SBP in gluten free group with reduction in WC and BMI (p < 0.001). Significant reduction in DBP associated with reduction in WHR, WC and BMI (p < 0.001) after 90 days. Conclusions: Gluten-free diet was found to be effective in weight loss and reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension when consistently followed. Weight loss, reduced WC and WHR on gluten free diet was positively correlated with a reduction in SBP and DBP.