The Influence of home‐delivered Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) meals on body mass index and percent of energy needs consumed among older adults with cardiovascular disease

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of a home delivered DASH meal intervention, similar to the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program (OAANP) home delivered meals program, on energy balance and weight.MethodsData for the analysis came from a randomized control trial of home‐delivered DASH meals and medical nutrition therapy conducted from 2003–2005. Study participants (n=298) were over age 60 and had hyperlidemia or hypertension. Difference‐in‐differences (DD) models were used in estimating the effects of the home‐delivered meal intervention on BMI and percent of daily energy needs met.ResultsThe majority of the study participants were white (62.1%), and were women (83.9%), had an income below 165% of the poverty level (71.5%), and were overweight or obese as indicated by a BMI ≥25 kg/m3 (76.7%). The average age was about 72. Receipt of meals did not have a significant effect on BMI or percent of daily energy needs.ConclusionRegistered dietitians and other health care providers are encouraged to assist older adults in obtaining OAANP meals that are therapeutically designed to meet DASH guidelines.This study was funded by the Administration on Aging