The Influence of Home-Delivered Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Meals on Body Mass Index, Energy Intake, and Percent of Energy Needs Consumed among Older Adults with Hypertension and/or Hyperlipidemia

Top Things to Know

The home-delivered DASH meal (MTM) program did not significantly affect BMI, energy intake, or the percentage of energy needs consumed in the full sample of older adults with hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia.

Participants consumed the meals as supplemental (one of three daily meals) without adding to their overall caloric intake, suggesting the program effectively supported dietary goals without contributing to overnutrition or weight gain.

Among higher-income participants (incomes >165% of the federal poverty level), the program led to a significant reduction in energy intake and the percentage of daily energy needs consumed.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a one-year home-delivered Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) meal program on body mass index (BMI), energy intake, and the percentage of energy needs consumed in 298 older adults with hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia in North Carolina. Participants receiving seven frozen meals per week, designed to meet 33% of daily energy and nutrient needs, showed no significant changes in BMI or overall energy intake in the full sample. However, participants with incomes above 165% of the federal poverty level experienced reductions in energy intake and energy needs met. The meals were consumed as intended, supplementing rather than exceeding dietary needs, and did not contribute to weight gain in the largely overweight or obese population. The findings suggest that home-delivered therapeutic meals can support dietary goals without exacerbating obesity or related health conditions, though further research is needed for homebound populations and long-term outcomes.