Exploratory analysis of the association between stature, obesity, and food insecurity in adults of the National Dietary Survey 2017-2018

Abstract

Objective Evaluate short stature as a possible explanation for obesity, and identify if consumption of energy, protein, carbohydrate, and lipids were associated to higher risk for obesity in Brazilian adults (20-59 y) living in household food insecurity. Methods Cross-sectional study from 2017/2018 Household Budget Survey (N=28,112). Food insecurity was measured with the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale. Short stature was used as an indicator of malnutrition at the beginning of life, which characterizes metabolic alterations resulting from the presence of food insecurity (cuts off women ≤149cm; men ≤160cm). Body mass index (kg/m2) was estimated from self-reported weight and body height. The average food intake was estimated from a 24-hr recall. The weighted means and standard error of the food security/insecurity categories were assessed according to height, mean energy intake and protein(g), carbohydrate(g) and lipids(g) intake, stratified by gender and nutritional status. Results Both men and women with obesity and food insecurity had significantly lower average height in comparison with those in food security status (p-value <0.01). The prevalence of obesity 1 (BMI 30-34.9kg/m2) increased significantly with the food insecurity among women. There was a trend towards short stature among obese women from families with food insecurity, as well as lower intake of energy. Among both men and women, the lowest intakes of protein and the highest intake of carbohydrates were observed in the underweight group (BMI <18.5kg/m2). Conclusion In women, the risk of obesity may depend on the metabolic background, since who presents food insecurity and develop obesity have low stature and lower energy intake.