Purpose Mental and sleep disorders are global public health problems, especially in Middle Eastern countries, and are significantly associated with circadian rhythm. This study sought to investigate the association between the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean diet scores and mental health, sleep quality, and circadian rhythm. Methods We enrolled 266 overweight and obese women, and depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS) score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Morning–Evening Questionnaire (MEQ), were assessed. The Mediterranean and DASH diet score was measured using a validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analysis of variance and analysis of covariance, chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression tests were used as appropriate. Results Our results showed that there was a significant inverse association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and mild and moderate anxiety scores (p < 0.05). In addition, there was an inverse association between adherence to the DASH diet and the risk of severe depression and extremely severe stress scores (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher adherence to both dietary scores was associated with good sleep quality (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between circadian rhythm and the DASH diet (p < 0.05). Conclusion A significant association exists between a DASH and Mediterranean diet with sleep status, mental health, and chronotype in women of childbearing age with obesity and overweight. Level of evidence Level V, Cross-sectional observational study.

PurposeDiet is one of the most important factors influencing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The negative relationship between carbohydrate intake with lipid profiles and body weight has been previously investigated. However, this is the first study seeking to assess the association of carbohydrate quality index (CQI) with CVD risk factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 291 Iranian overweight and obese women, with a body mass index (BMI) ranging between 25 and 40 kg/m2, and aged 18–48 years. CQI scores were calculated by using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Biochemical and anthropometric measures were assessed using standard methods, and bioelectrical impedance was used to measure body composition.ResultsWe observed that fruits (P &lt; 0.001), vegetables (P &lt; 0.001), and protein (P = 0.002) intake were higher in participants with a higher score of the CQI. When we adjusted for potential confounders, we observed that the CQI was negatively related to systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β = −6.10; 95% CI = −10.11, −2.10; P = 0.003) and DBP (β = −3.11; 95% CI = −6.15, −0.08; P = 0.04). Also, greater adherence to a high CQI dietary pattern, compared to the reference group, was negatively related to HOMA-IR (β = −0.53; 95% CI = −0.94, −0.12) (P for trend = 0.01), WC (β = −3.18; 95% CI = −6.26, −0.10) (P for trend = 0.04), BMI (β = −1.21; 95% CI = −2.50, 0.07) (P for trend = 0.06), and BF (β = −2.06; 95% CI = −3.82, −0.30) (P for trend = 0.02).ConclusionIn line with previous studies, the CQI was inversely associated with blood pressure, WC, BMI, and BF. Further prospective and clinical trial studies are suggested to confirm these data.