It was found that the girls with the highest DASH scores gained the least weight.
An eating plan originally thought to reduce high blood pressure in adults has been found to keep adolescent girls trimmer between the ages of 9 and 19 years.
The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasises higher consumption of low-fat dairy products - fish, chicken and lean meats - as well as nuts, fruits, whole grains, vegetables and legumes. Many studies have shown the role of diet in blood pressure reduction.
Researchers examined data from 2,237 American girls, starting at age 9 years who were followed for up to a decade. Data was gathered annually and each participant was given a DASH food group score based on how closely their diet resembled the DASH diet. The girls logged their food intake once a year in three-day diet records extending for two weekdays and one weekend day. They were trained by a nutritionist to record the information using standard household measuring instruments to estimate portion sizes.
It was found that the girls with the highest DASH scores gained the least weight. They had the smallest gains in body mass index (BMI) over 10 years, and the lowest BMIs at the end of the follow-up period. They ate more fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products than other participants. At 19 years, more girls in the lowest DASH score group were overweight.
Young people tend to have better success at weight control with behaviour therapy and dietary education. One benefit for young people who follow the DASH diet would be better overall health as they age, with less likelihood of progression to hypertension as well as risk of a heart attack during middle age.
The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasises higher consumption of low-fat dairy products - fish, chicken and lean meats - as well as nuts, fruits, whole grains, vegetables and legumes. Many studies have shown the role of diet in blood pressure reduction.
Researchers examined data from 2,237 American girls, starting at age 9 years who were followed for up to a decade. Data was gathered annually and each participant was given a DASH food group score based on how closely their diet resembled the DASH diet. The girls logged their food intake once a year in three-day diet records extending for two weekdays and one weekend day. They were trained by a nutritionist to record the information using standard household measuring instruments to estimate portion sizes.
It was found that the girls with the highest DASH scores gained the least weight. They had the smallest gains in body mass index (BMI) over 10 years, and the lowest BMIs at the end of the follow-up period. They ate more fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products than other participants. At 19 years, more girls in the lowest DASH score group were overweight.
Young people tend to have better success at weight control with behaviour therapy and dietary education. One benefit for young people who follow the DASH diet would be better overall health as they age, with less likelihood of progression to hypertension as well as risk of a heart attack during middle age.
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