The Diet, Exercise and Weight Loss Intervention Trial (DEW-IT)

Abstract

0009 Background - Certain lifestyle modifications (weight loss, sodium reduction, adoption of the DASH diet, and increased exercise) when administered separately, can lower blood pressure. However, the effects on blood pressure of combining all of these therapies in adults on blood pressure lowering medications is unknown. Methods - In a randomized controlled feeding study, 44 hypertensive obese adults, taking a single daily blood pressure lowering medication, were randomized for 9 weeks to a lifestyle or monitoring group. The lifestyle group was fed a hypocaloric version of the DASH diet (high in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products) with reduced sodium (100 mmol/day). This group also exercised at moderate intensity 3 times per week. The monitoring group received information only. The primary outcome was change in 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure. Results - 43 of 44 completed the study. Net mean weight loss in the lifestyle group was 12.3 pounds. Compared with the monitoring group, the lifestyle group had significant reductions in 24 hour blood pressures with greatest reductions occurring while awake ( TABLE). Conclusions -A comprehensive lifestyle intervention is extremely effective at lowering blood pressure in hypertensive adults taking blood pressure lowering medications. Table 1.