Vahid Monfared , Leila Sheikhi , Mohtaram Hashemi , Fatemeh Kiani , Reyhane Javid , Mahya Nikoumanesh , Yegane Ghelichi , Alireza Hatami , Motahareh Hasani ,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of the DASH diet on blood pressure in overweight or obese adults with hypertension.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in online databases, including SCOPUS, Medline, and Web of Science, up to 1 February 2024.
Results: This meta-analysis incorporated a comprehensive collection of 21 studies. The findings indicated that the DASH diet had a notable impact on decreasing systolic blood pressure (SBP), as demonstrated by a weighted mean difference (WMD) of -4.75 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI): -6.23, -3.28; P < 0.001). Additionally, the DASH diet was found to have a significant influence on reducing diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [WMD of -4.17 mmHg (95% CI: -4.34, -4.00; P < 0.001)]. Subgroup analysis revealed that the results remained significant when age was ≥50 years, in females, among ethnic groups from Europe, Asia, and America, as well as in groups classified as obese individuals.
Conclusion: The DASH diet has conclusive effects on blood pressure, especially in obese individuals. The DASH diet could be considered an important dietary strategy for the management of hypertension in obese and overweight adults.
