Dietary patterns associated with anthropometric indicators of abdominal fat in adults

Sociodemographic determinants of eating patterns in two Latin American populations

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to describe the dietary patterns of a population from Brazil and another from Colombia with respect to understanding their determinants, similarities and differences.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted based on secondary data. The dietary patterns of the adult population of Pernambuco, Brazil, as well as those of the adult population of Antioquia, Colombia, were analysed using principal component analysis method with orthogonal varimax rotation, and a Poisson regression with robust variance was used to verify the association between eating patterns and socio-economic variables.

RESULTS

In each population, three eating patterns were identified. One of them related to healthy eating, named "Prudent", was identified in the two populations analysed. In Pernambuco, a food pattern consisting exclusively of foods with some degree of processing was verified, entitled "Processed". The food culture was reflected in the pattern called "Traditional-Regional" in Pernambuco and the "Traditional" and "Regional" patterns in Antioquia.

CONCLUSIONS

Income, education, age, family size, food security status and area of residence were presented as determinants of dietary patterns in both populations. Elements of the food transition were found, which seems to have happened more rapidly in Pernambuco. The food groups that make up the dietary patterns of each population are similar, but the foods that constitute them present differences due to their availability depending on aspects such as climate, soil quality, access to water, local culture and food tradition.

Association between dietary patterns and carotid intima-media thickness: cross-sectional analysis of ELSA-Brasil study

PURPOSE

We aimed to perform a cross-sectional evaluation of the association between dietary patterns and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), using baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health.

METHODS

The participants with measurement of the cIMT were included (n = 9,624). cIMT was evaluated in a continuous way and categorized as < 75th and ≥ 75th and ≤ 0.9 mm and > 0.9 mm. Dietary patterns (DPs) were identified by principal component factor analysis. Linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between cIMT and DPs.

RESULTS

Three DPs were derived. For each unit increase in the convenience DP score, the odds for cIMT ≥ 75th increased by 13% (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.05: 1.22) and for cIMT > 0.9 mm increased by 14% (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.07: 1.22) in the fully adjusted model. In contrast, each unit increase in the prudent DP score decreased by 8% the odds of having cIMT ≥ 75th (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86: 0.98) and by 11% of cIMT > 0.9 mm (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.84: 0.95). Furthermore, each increase in the convenience DP score was associated with increase in the cIMT (β 0.01; 95% CI 0.01: 0.02), while each increase in the prudent DP score was associated with decrease in the cIMT (β -0.01; -0.01; -0.01) in linear regression models.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that those individuals with adherence to the convenience dietary pattern are more likely to have high cIMT, while those with adherence to a prudent dietary pattern have lower odds for this characteristic.

Food Insecurity Reduces the Chance of Following a Nutrient-Dense Dietary Pattern by Brazilian Adults: Insights from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

Dietary patterns derived by data-driven techniques are still scarce in the food security context and may be a useful tool to inform policymakers to promote adequate and healthy diets for vulnerable populations. We investigated the association between food security status and dietary patterns among 28,127 Brazilian adults using data from the 2017–2018 Household Budget Survey. Food security status was measured by the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Food items reported in two 24 h dietary recalls were combined into food groups. Dietary patterns were derived from exploratory factor analysis, and participants were grouped according to their factor scores by K-means cluster analysis. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the association between food security status and clusters of adherence to dietary patterns. Four dietary patterns were derived: ‘Brazilian breakfast style’ (cluster 3), ‘Brazilian Traditional staple foods’ (cluster 2), ‘Beverages, ready-to-eat and convenience foods’ (cluster 4), and ‘Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains’ (cluster 1). After adjustments, food insecurity was inversely associated with adherence to the ‘Fruits vegetables, and whole grains’ pattern (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.63–0.89). Findings suggest food insecurity negatively impact the adoption of a nutrient-dense dietary pattern and highlight the critical role of policy actions in a scenario of increasing food insecurity.

Dietary patterns of Brazilian adults in 2008-2009 and 2017-2018

OBJECTIVES

To identify dietary patterns among Brazilian adults based on the National Dietary Surveys (INA - Inquéritos Nacionais de Alimentação) in 2008-2009 and 2017-2018, and to verify in the second period the adherence to the patterns according to sociodemographic factors and Brazilian regions.

METHODS

We analyzed the first of two days of adults' food consumption (19-59 years) in INA data from 2008-2009 (n = 21,630) and 2017-2018 (n = 28,901). Dietary patterns were derived by exploratory factor analysis from 19 food groups, considering the complexity of the sample design. We evaluated the factor scores according to sex, age group, region, per capita income, and education for the INA data in 2017-2018.

RESULTS

We identified three patterns in the two surveys: (1) "traditional", characterized by rice, beans, and meat; (2) "breads and butter/margarine", characterized by breads, oils, and fats (including margarine/butter) and, coffee and teas in 2008-2009; and (3) "western", characterized by sodas, pizzas, snacks, flour, pasta, and sweets in 2017-2018. The "traditional" pattern had greater adherence among men, residents of the Midwest region and individuals with incomplete primary education. "Bread and butter/margarine" pattern had greater adherence among males, individuals aged between 40 and 59 years, from the Southeast region, and with income between 1 and 2 minimum wages per capita. Male individuals, aged between 19 and 39 years, from the South region, with per capita income greater than two minimum wages, and education level equal to or greater than primary education showed greater adherence to the "western" pattern.

CONCLUSION

The dietary patterns identified in 2008-2009 and 2017-2018 were similar, and we observed the maintenance of the "traditional" pattern, which includes rice, beans, and meat. Adherence to the dietary patterns varies according to sex, age group, region, per capita income, and education level.

Health, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics are associated with Brazilian dietary patterns: Brazilian National Health Survey

This study aimed to identify Brazilian dietary patterns and their associations with health, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics. Data from the Brazilian National Health Survey conducted in 2013 were used. A questionnaire was applied containing 22 items related to dietary consumption. Dietary patterns were determined through factor analysis (FA). Poisson regression models, with robust variance, were used to identify associations between dietary patterns and independents variables. Statistical significance was defined as p-value<0.05. Data were analysed for 60,202 adults (estimated population size: 146,308,458). FA identified three dietary patterns: healthy, protein, and western. The younger age group (18-24 years) had a lower adherence to the healthy pattern (PR:0.53; 95%CI:0.49-0.58) and greater adherence to the protein (PR:1.52; 95%CI:1.42-1.62) and western (PR:1.80; 95%CI:1.68-1.93) patterns compared to the elderly (≥60 years). Women had a greater association with the healthy pattern (PR:1.32; 95%CI:1.28-1.38) and lower association with the protein pattern (PR:0.80; 95%CI:0.77-0.82) compared to men. Illiterate participants showed lower adherence to the healthy (PR:0.58; 95%CI:0.53-0.63) and western (PR:0.54; 95%CI:0.48-0.62) patterns compared to those with higher educational levels. Smokers had lower adherence to the healthy (PR:0.76; 95%CI:0.71-0.81) and higher adherence to the protein (PR:1.14; 95%CI:1.11-1.19) patterns compared to non-smokers. Participants with poor/very poor self-rated health status had a lower adherence to the healthy (PR:0.79; 95%CI:0.73-0.86) and western (PR:0.81; 95%CI:0.73-0.89) patterns compared to those in a very good/good self-rated health status. Multimorbidity was positively associated with the healthy pattern (PR:1.18; 95%CI:1.11-1.26) and inversely associated with the protein pattern (PR:0.88; 95%CI:0.80-0.96) compared to participants without comorbidities. We suggest that strategies to promote healthy eating should consider health, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics in the Brazilian population.

Sociodemographic determinants of food consumption pattern: Pró-Saúde Study

AIMS

To identify dietary patterns (DP) and to investigate their association with sociodemographic aspects.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional data analysis of a sub-sample from Phase 4 of the Pró-Saúde Longitudinal Study (2012-2013), constituting a total of 520 participants. DP were obtained by principal component analysis from a food frequency questionnaire. Association between DP and sociodemographic aspects was analyzed by adjusted logistic regression.

RESULTS

Four DP were identified: processed and ultraprocessed products; fresh food; meats and alcoholic beverages; and traditional Brazilian foods. There was a greater adherence chance to "processed and ultraprocessed products" pattern among adults ≥ 55 years and lower chance among men. The probability of adherence to "fresh food" pattern was directly associated to men, subjects with a high educational level and inversely associated to adults aged ≥ 60 years. There was a lower chance of "meats and alcoholic beverages" pattern among men and increased chance of adherence to "traditional Brazilian foods" pattern among whites, subjects with ≥ 60 years and low schooling.

CONCLUSION

Sociodemographic factors were important determinants of DP, especially gender, schooling and age. Presence of a DP composed of processed and ultraprocessed products indicates the need for awareness strategies and supply limitation in this population, since it affects their health.

Dietary patterns of bank employees and their association with socioeconomic, behavioral and labor factors

This paper aimed to evaluate food consumption of bank employees and its association with socioeconomic, behavioral and labor factors. This is a cross-sectional study with 515 bank employees. To evaluate food consumption, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used. The analysis of main components with Varimax rotation was used to determine the dietary patterns. Three dietary patterns were identified: "vegetables, fruits, cereals and tubers", "sweets and snacks" and "traditional and protein". We found that individuals who did not consume sweeteners were more likely to adhere to the "vegetables, fruits, cereals and tubers" pattern and were less likely to adhere to the "sweets and snacks" and "traditional and protein" patterns. Bank employees who rarely ate in restaurants were three times more likely to adhere to the "sweets and snacks" pattern. However, those who used to consume industrialized seasoning and those who reported receiving low social support were, respectively, 2.3 and 1.5 times more likely to adhere to the "traditional and protein" pattern. We can conclude that food consumption of bank employees is not related to the sociodemographic conditions of these individuals, and behavior and perception of social support received is associated with these dietary patterns.

Obesidade abdominal e padrões alimentares em mulheres trabalhadoras de turnos

Resumo Objetivou-se identificar os padrões alimentares e a associação destes com a obesidade abdominal em mulheres trabalhadoras de turnos no sul do Brasil. Para isso, realizou-se um estudo de caso-controle não pareado, incluindo um total de 541 mulheres de 18 a 53 anos de idade (215 casos; 326 controles). A presença de obesidade abdominal foi verificada pela aferição da circunferência da cintura ≥ 88 centímetros e os padrões alimentares foram obtidos por meio da análise de componentes principais de 53 itens. Os padrões foram classificados com base nos alimentos de maior carga fatorial e características nutricionais. A associação entre obesidade abdominal e os padrões foi verificada por meio de regressão logística não condicional. Três padrões alimentares foram identificados: “gordura animal/calorias”, “lanches/fast-food” e “frutas/verduras”. Após análise ajustada, os casos apresentaram uma maior chance de adesão ao padrão “frutas/verduras” (OR = 2,26; IC95%:1,30-3,93) e uma menor chance de adesão ao padrão “lanches/fast-food” (OR = 0,60; IC95%:0,36-1,01). Assim, identificou-se três padrões alimentares entre as trabalhadoras de turnos e verificou-se uma melhora na alimentação naquelas com obesidade abdominal, representando uma possível alteração de hábitos alimentares após sua ocorrência.

Diet Quality and Diet Diversity in Eight Latin American Countries: Results from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS)

This study aimed to assess diet quality score (DQS), considering healthy and unhealthy foods and nutrients, and diet diversity score (DDS) as indicators of risk of noncommunicable diseases in eight Latin American countries, and to verify the possible differences considering country, sex, age, socioeconomic, and nutritional status. A multicenter household population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 9218 individuals (age range 15–65 years). Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected. Dietary intake was measured using two non-consecutive 24-h recalls and diet quality and diversity were assessed. In the whole sample, scores were observed from 63.0% ± 9.3% to total DQS, 65.0% ± 13.6% to healthy dietary items and 60.2% ± 13.6% to unhealthy items, and 5.6 ± 1.1 out of 9 points to DDS. Women presented lower DDS compared to men (5.5 ± 1.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Healthy DQS was higher as the socio-economic level increased, and unhealthy DQS was the opposite (p < 0.05). Total DQS was significantly lower only at the low socio-economic level (p < 0.05). Chile and Venezuela showed the lowest healthy (62.2 ± 15.2 and 61.9 ± 11.7, p < 0.05) and total DQS (61.4 ± 10.3, 61.2 ± 8.7, p < 0.05). No effects were observed when considering the age and anthropometric measurements. Promoting consumption of a diverse and high-quality diet is an essential challenge to accomplish.

Gender-Specific Associations Between Saliva Microbiota and Body Size

Objective

The human intestinal microbiota likely play an important role in the development of overweight and obesity. However, the associations between saliva microbiota and body mass index (BMI) have been sparsely studied. The aim of this study was to identify the associations between saliva microbiota and body size in Finnish children.

Methods

The saliva microbiota of 900 Finnish children, aged 11–14 years with measured height and weight, was characterized using 16S rRNA (V3–V4) sequencing.

Results

The core saliva microbiota consisted of 14 genera that were present in more than 95% of the Finnish children. The saliva microbiota profiles were gender-specific with higher alpha-diversity in boys than girls and significant differences between the genders in community composition and abundances. Alpha-diversity differed between normal weight and overweight girls and between normal weight and obese boys. The composition was dissimilar between normal weight and obese girls, but not in boys. The relative abundance profiles differed according to body size. Decrease in commensal saliva bacteria were observed in all the body sizes when compared to normal weight children. Notably, the relative abundance of bacteria related to, Veillonella, Prevotella, Selenomonas, and Streptococcus was reduced in obese children.

Conclusion

Saliva microbiota diversity and composition were significantly associated with body size and gender in Finnish children. Body size–specific saliva microbiota profiles open new avenues for studying the potential roles of microbiota in weight development and management.

Identificação de padrões alimentares: comparação das técnicas de análise de componentes principais e de principais eixos fatoriais

RESUMO: Introdução: O padrão alimentar tem como base conceitual o fato de que os alimentos consumidos em conjunto são tão importantes quanto o consumo de alimentos ou nutrientes isoladamente. Objetivos: Identificar padrões alimentares em amostra de profissionais de enfermagem e explorar a diferença entre os padrões encontrados, utilizando para isso duas técnicas: componentes principais (CP) e principais eixos fatoriais (PAF). Método: O presente estudo foi baseado nos dados de 309 participantes de enfermagem de um hospital público do Rio de Janeiro. Foi utilizado o recordatório alimentar de 24 horas, resultando em 24 grupos alimentares. Para identificar os padrões alimentares, foram aplicadas as técnicas CP e PAF, seguidas da rotação ortogonal Varimax. Resultados: O gráfico de Cattell indicou três fatores a serem extraídos. A comunalidade variou de 0,41 a 0,76, considerando cargas maiores do que 0,30 na composição do padrão. Os dois métodos identificaram padrões alimentares semelhantes, destacando o primeiro padrão, tradicional, nas duas técnicas. Os outros dois padrões foram nomeados de saudável e lanche, tendo posição inversa nas técnicas aplicadas. Conclusão: As diferenças observadas referem-se: ao número de grupos alimentares que entram na composição dos componentes e dos fatores; à magnitude das cargas menores com PAF e à ordem dos padrões alimentares, especialmente aqueles derivados com cargas de menor magnitude. Essas diferenças, entretanto, parecem não impactar na interpretabilidade dos padrões alimentares nessa população.

Dietary patterns and nutritional status of HIV-infected children and adolescents in El Salvador: A cross-sectional study

Introduction

The present study aimed to assess the nutritional status, the dietary patterns and its associated factors in the HIV-infected population of children and adolescents on antiretroviral treatment at the El Salvador reference center for pediatric HIV care (CENID).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out between December 2010 and December 2011. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from 307 children and adolescents aged 2–18 years and receiving antiretroviral therapy. Nutritional status was assessed by height-for-age, weight-for-height and body mass index-for-age. Dietary data was collected through a 24 hour recall, and through a weekly food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Bivariate and multivariable statistical methods were used to assess the factors associated with “high adherence” to the “healthy diet” pattern.

Results

More than a third of the study group (33.2%) were stunted, 3.3% were identified as being wasted, and 10% were overweight or obese. Their diets were predominantly based on a high consumption of cereals, beans, eggs and processed foods and a low consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Three dietary patterns were identified: “healthy diet”, “high fat/sugar diet” and “low diversity diet”. Being female (OR: 1.63; 95%CI: 0.97–2.75), younger (OR: 2.37; 95%CI: 1.28–4.36) and institutionalized (OR: 14.5; 95%CI: 5.35–39.50) increased the odds to adhere to the “healthy diet” pattern.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a high prevalence of stunting and overweight in HIV-infected children in El Salvador. Institutionalized children were more likely to adhere to a healthy dietary pattern whereas children in poverty were more likely to have less varied and healthy diets. These results highlight the need to assess the dietary patterns of HIV-infected children and adolescents in order to guide public policies to design healthy life style interventions for this population at risk.

Dietary intake of non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients: the PROGREDIR study. A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence that diet is very important in relation to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, studies in this field are scarce and have focused only on some specific nutrients. We evaluated the energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes and dietary patterns of non-dialysis CKD participants in the PROGREDIR study.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study; CKD cohort, São Paulo, Brazil.

METHODS

Baseline data on 454 participants in the PROGREDIR study were analyzed. Dietary intake was evaluated through a food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were derived through principal component analysis. Energy and protein intakes were compared with National Kidney Foundation recommendations. Linear regression analysis was performed between energy and nutrient intakes and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and between sociodemographic and clinical variables and dietary patterns.

RESULTS

Median energy and protein intakes were 25.0 kcal/kg and 1.1 g/kg, respectively. In linear regression, protein intake (β = -3.67; P = 0.07) was related to eGFR. Three dietary patterns (snack, mixed and traditional) were retained. The snack pattern was directly associated with male gender (β = 0.27; P = 0.006) and inversely with diabetes (β = -0.23; P = 0.02). The traditional pattern was directly associated with male gender (β = 0.27; P = 0.007) and schooling (β = 0.40; P < 0.001) and inversely with age (β = -0.01; P = 0.001) and hypertension (β = -0.34; P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified low energy and high protein intake in this population. Protein intake was inversely related to eGFR. Dietary patterns were associated with age, gender, schooling level, hypertension and diabetes.

Association of eating patterns and abdominal adiposity in Brazilian

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the relationship between dietary patterns and abdominal adiposity among adults living in the urban area of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods A population-based, cross-sectional study of 959 adults of both sexes. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and dietary intake was collected through questionnaires. Abdominal adiposity was evaluated using waist circumference and the anthropometric indices waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio. Food patterns were identified by factor analysis. Poisson regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results Abdominal adiposity was identified by waist circumference in 59.06% (95%CI=52.77–65.08) of the sample, by waist-to-hip ratio in 54.65% (95%CI=47.92–61.21), and by waist-to-height ratio in 9% (95%CI=54.61–69.03). Two dietary patterns, named as traditional Brazilian and bar, were identified in the sample, but only the latter was statistically associated with abdominal adiposity determined by the three parameters. Conclusion The study identified two eating patterns in the population, a healthy and an unhealthy pattern, the latter being associated with greater odds of abdominal adiposity. Thus, it is important to take measures to reverse this trend.

Exploring the Role of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Obesity among New Yorkers Using Propensity Score Matching

BACKGROUND

Results from clinical trials have shown that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) lead to increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity. This relationship has yet to be explored in observational data for nonclinical populations of adults.

OBJECTIVE

To compare adults who drank 4+ SSBs daily to those who drank 0 in the population of adults in New York City, and to better understand adult risk factors associated with higher daily SSB consumption and BMI.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data using propensity score matching.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

The 2009 New York City Community Health Survey (N=9,934) was used.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

BMI.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES

For each participant who consumed 4+ SSBs daily, propensity score matching identified matched comparisons who did not drink any SSBs. BMI in unadjusted and matched pairs was tested using t tests. A post hoc analysis compared features of those likely to drink SSBs and those not likely to drink SSBs.

RESULTS

In unmatched analyses, participants who consumed 4+ SSBs daily (n=475) had higher BMI than those who consumed 0 SSBs (n=3,818; BMI difference=1.4±0.29; t value=4.81; P<0.001); however, when compared with similar participants using nearest neighbor with replacement matching (n=1,062), the difference between those who consumed 4+ SSBs daily and those who consumed none decreased (BMI difference=0.37±0.36; t value=1.01; P=0.32). Analyses also indicated that those likely to drink SSBs and those unlikely to drink SSBs differed in several important characteristics, including sex, age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, diet, and exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

The data preclude strong causal conclusions about the role of SSB in obesity. However, our results suggest that there is a subset of participants demographically and behaviorally similar with higher BMI regardless of their self-reported SSB intake. In addition to targeting SSBs, public health policies and programs should identify and address other modifiable aspects of this profile and tailor approaches to the groups identified to be most affected by high BMI.

Overweight and obesity in preschoolers: Prevalence and relation to food consumption

Summary Objective: To determine overweight and obesity prevalence in preschool children from public education, and to determine their relation to food consumption. Method: Cross-sectional study with children aged between 2 and 5 years, of both sexes, enrolled at municipal day care centers. Socioeconomic, demographic and anthropometric data were collected, in order to calculate the body mass index (BMI) for age. Data on food consumption were assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation were used at a significance level of 5%. Results: Of 548 children, 52% were male, with mean age of 4.2 years old. Most families had incomes between 1 and 2 minimum wages (59.7%), in addition to 10 years (mothers) of education. Anthropometric parameters did not differ significantly between sexes. According to the BMI-for-age, it was found that most of children were well-nourished (85.2%), 8.2% had the risk of becoming overweight, and 4.2% were overweight. The most consumed foods were: rice (100%), beans (99.4%), bread (98.5%), fruit (98.5%), red meat (97.1%), butter and margarine (95.4%), biscuits, cakes and sweet pies (94.1%), dairy products (94.1%), chocolate milk (91.7%), and soft drinks (90.2%). Consumed foods that were strongly correlated (r > 0.7) to the risk of/excess weight were, as follows: bread; biscuits, cakes, sweet pies; dairy products; chocolate milk; sausages. Conclusion: There was low prevalence of overweight and absence of obesity among the population assessed. The risk of overweight was greater among girls. Data from the study showed deviations in food consumption.

Examining associations between dietary patterns and metabolic CVD risk factors: a novel use of structural equation modelling

The association between dietary patterns and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors has long been addressed but there is a lack of evidence towards the effects of the overall diet on the complex net of biological inter-relationships between risk factors. This study aimed to derive dietary patterns and examine their associations with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors following a theoretic model for the relationship between them. Participants included 417 adults of both sexes, enrolled to the cross-sectional population-based study performed in Brazil. Body weight, waist circumference, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, blood pressure, total cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio, fasting plasma glucose and serum leptin were evaluated. Food consumption was assessed by two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls adjusted for the within-person variation of intake. A total of three dietary patterns were derived by exploratory structural equation modelling: 'Traditional', 'Prudent' and 'Modern'. The 'Traditional' pattern had a negative and direct effect on obesity indicators (serum LEP, body weight and waist circumference) and negative indirect effects on total cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio and fasting plasma glucose. The 'Prudent' pattern had a negative and direct effect on systolic blood pressure. No association was observed for the 'Modern' pattern and metabolic risk factors. In conclusion, the 'Traditional' and 'Prudent' dietary patterns were negatively associated with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors among Brazilian adults. Their apparent protective effects against obesity and high blood pressure may be important non-pharmacological strategies for the prevention and control of obesity-related metabolic disorders and CVD.

Dietary patterns for meals of Brazilian adults

The use of dietary patterns (DP) in nutritional research is well established; however, only a few studies of DP according to specific meals have been conducted. The purpose of this study was to identify the DP regarding breakfast, lunch and dinner meals of the population (aged 20 years and older of both sexes) that participated in the Health Care Survey of Sao Paulo. Food intake was estimated by using the Multiple Source Method – considering two 24- h dietary recalls. On the basis of the food groups for each meal, a factor analysis, with a principal component estimation, was applied (varimax rotation) in order to derive the DP. Prevalences of meal skipping were 5·6 % for breakfast, 3·6 % for lunch and 12·8 % for dinner. The findings revealed three breakfast DP: healthy, traditional and snack; five lunch DP: traditional, salad, sweetened juice, Western and meats; and four dinner DP: coffee with milk and bread, transitional, traditional, and soup and fruits. The results of this study indicate that the DP identified in accordance with the meal nicely discriminates food intake, emphasising peculiarities that are not found in global analyses and might support dietary advice.

Dietary Patterns of Young Females and Their Association With Waist Circumference as a Health Index in Northwest of Iran, 2007

Background:

Despite the higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among young people in western countries, the 50th and 95th percentile ranks for waist circumference in the Iranian young Females are higher than those of the western ones.

Objectives:

Identifying major dietary patterns in Iranian young females, which associate with central obesity, can probably explain the difference between Iranian young females’ pattern and those of their western peers regarding obesity.

Patients and Methods:

In the current cross-sectional study, a total of 257 young females aged 11 - 15 years old from Talaat Intelligent Guidance School, Tabriz, Iran (2007) were selected for the study using non-probability simple sampling method. Then, usual dietary intakes of all subjects were evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, waist circumference, and Body Mass Index (BMI) using the standard protocols. Data were analyzed by inferential statistics (One-way ANOVA, Tukey test for Post-Hoc Analysis, Chi-square test, age-adjusted means, analysis of covariance with Bonferroni correction, correlation and partial correlation) by SPSS software.

Results:

In the current study, six major dietary patterns were extracted using factor analysis method. Before and after controlling the age, subjects in the upper tertile of the Iranian Central Obesity Making Dietary Pattern (rich in cruciferous vegetables, green leafy vegetables, soft drinks, tomatoes, other vegetables and vegetable oils) had larger waist circumference in comparison with the ones in the lower tertile (before controlling for age: 64.2 ± 9 vs. 61.6 ± 7 P = 0.03; after: 64.5 ± 0.8 vs. 61.5 ± 0.8, P = 0.009). However in lacto vegetarian dietary pattern (rich in legumes, potato, other vegetables, dough, high-fat dairy products and margarine), individuals in the upper tertile had significantly lower weight, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) in comparison with the ones in the lower tertile (weight: 44.9 ± 9.3 vs. 51.4 ± 10.6, P < 0.01; WC: 59.9 ± 8 vs. 64 ± 7.9, P < 0.01; BMI: 18.6 ± 3.1 vs. 20.6 ± 3.5, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

The current study findings suggest that the Iranian Central Obesity Making Dietary Pattern is directly associated with waist circumference (marker of central obesity), while lacto vegetarian dietary pattern is reversely associated with weight, waist circumference and BMI. Special obesity pattern in Iranian young females can be justified by Iranian Central Obesity Making Dietary Pattern”.

Empirically derived dietary patterns: interpretability and construct validity according to different factor rotation methods

This study aimed to investigate the effects of factor rotation methods on interpretability and construct validity of dietary patterns derived in a representative sample of 1,102 Brazilian adults. Dietary patterns were derived from exploratory factor analysis. Orthogonal (varimax) and oblique rotations (promax, direct oblimin) were applied. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed construct validity of the dietary patterns derived according to two factor loading cut-offs (≥ |0.20| and ≥ |0.25|). Goodness-of-fit indexes assessed the model fit. Differences in composition and in interpretability of the first pattern were observed between varimax and promax/oblimin at cut-off ≥ |0.20|. At cut-off ≥ |0.25|, these differences were no longer observed. None of the patterns derived at cut-off ≥ |0.20| showed acceptable model fit. At cut-off ≥ |0.25|, the promax rotation produced the best model fit. The effects of factor rotation on dietary patterns differed according to the factor loading cut-off used in exploratory factor analysis.