DASH for Health

Description:

The DASH for Health program is designed to help you improve and track your eating and exercise habits. The program is based on the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which was originally developed to prevent and treat high blood pressure, though it is essentially a well-balanced diet that is now recommended by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The site provides tools for you to record and track your weight, blood pressure, eating habits, and exercise habits. An individualised page is created especially for you where you can track your progress. The site also provides a variety of healthy recipes based on the DASH diet. There are no requirements for how often you must enter your data, or any other minimum participation requirements. The DASH for Health site also provides two new articles each week on improving nutritional habits (based on the DASH diet) and healthy exercise. You will receive a reminder email every time a new article is made available.

Service URL:

http://www.dashforhealth.com

Agency Responsible:

Boston University School of Public Health.

Details

Format:

Website.

Intervention Type:

Educational (primarily educational material or psychoeducation).

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules). There are no minimum participation requirements but the shortest subscription option is 3 months

Support Option:

No support. The site is designed to have minimal personal contact, but the DASH team will answer questions from users by email

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Nutrition.

Target Audience:

Adult.

Language:

English.

Access

Fee:

Fee-based.

Access:

Closed: Fee required.

Contact Details:

info@dashforhealth.com

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Research RCTs:

0

Outcome Summary:

The effects of the DASH for Health program on weight, blood pressure, and eating habits has been tested in one observational study, which found that participants in the program experienced significant weight loss, blood pressure lowering, and dietary improvements over 12 months. Participants reported consuming significantly more fruit and vegetables, and fewer grain products and carbonated beverages. Overweight/obese participants in the program lost an average of 4.2 pounds (1.9 kilograms) after 12 months, meeting the CDC (Center for Disease Control) definition of an "effective" program. Participants with high blood pressure experienced a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, which fell on average by 6.8 mmHg at 12 months. One limitation of this study is the absence of a control group, but the results suggest that the program may be effective in improving eating habits and reducing weight and blood pressure.

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

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Research paper citations

Efficacy studies

1. Moore, T. J., et al. (2008). Weight, blood pressure, and dietary benefits after 12 months of a Web-based Nutrition Education Program (DASH for health): longitudinal observational study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 10(4), e52.

Additional references

1. Sacks, N., Cabral, H., Kazis, L. E., Jarrett, K. M., Vetter, D., Richmond, R., Moore, T. J. A web-based nutrition program reduces health care costs in employees with cardiac risk factors: before and after cost analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 11(4), e43
2. Apovian, C. M., et al. (2010). Validation of a web-based dietary questionnaire designed for the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet: the DASH online questionnaire. Public Health Nutrition, 13(5), 615-622.