Adaptation of a Modified DASH Diet to a Rural African American Community Setting.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among African Americans in the U.S., with high blood pressure and obesity being two of the main determinants.

Structured diet and physical activity prevent postpartum weight retention.

Background: Postpregnancy weight retention contributes to the near-epidemic prevalence of obesity in the United States. This study examines the impact of an individualized, structured diet and physical activity intervention on weight loss in overweight women during the first year postpartum.

Methods: Forty overweight postpartum women were randomized to either a structured (STR) or a self-directed (SELF) intervention.