Association between dietary diversity and obesity in Ardebil adults: a case-control study

Abstract

Purpose Obesity is a multi-factorial problem that develops from an interaction between diet, genetics, physical activity, medication, and other factors. This paper aims to examine the association between dietary diversity score (DDS) and obesity among adults of Ardebil. Design/methodology/approach This case-control study was conducted on 204 cases (obese and overweight participants) and 204 controls (healthy weight individuals) matched by socioeconomic status (SES), age (older than 30 years) and sex. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h food recall questionnaire. Data on physical activity and socio-demographic variables were gathered. DDS was computed based on the scoring of the 14 food groups recommended by the Food and Agriculture organization guideline. Findings The DDS of the obese group was higher (5.02 ± 1.02) than that of the healthy weight group (4.23 ± 1.18) (p < 0.001). There was a significant association between DDS and body mass index (BMI) in both groups of study, but this association was more significant in the obese group (β = 0.501, p = 0.021) than that of healthy weight group (β = 0.413, p= 0.042). Vegetable food group score in both groups of the study was associated with obesity inversely (p < 0.05). Originality/value This study was conducted for the first time in Ardabil city and the results showed for the first time that there is a relationship between dietary diversity and obesity. People with a higher dietary diversity score are more likely to be obese. In fact, this study for the first time proved that people who are obese have a more varied diet but less vegetables and fruits.

Association between dietary protein intake, diet quality and diversity, and obesity among women of reproductive age in Kersa, Ethiopia

“…This is compatible with other similar studies (59,60). However, some studies shows that higher dietary diversity increases the odds of obesity and overweight (61)(62)(63). It is important to be cautious when promoting health messages to the community, as consuming energy-dense foods from a variety of groups can lead to weight gain and obesity.…”

Role of dietary quality and diversity on overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Tanzania

“…The PDQS estimates could explain the difference, which considers the consumption of unhealthy energy-dense foods and scores them negatively. The PDQS measures aspects of diet quality such as energy balance and moderation in consuming unhealthy foods associated with overweight/obesity and chronic diseases [ 35 ]. The DDS only assesses dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy and may not be sensitive to unhealthy diets related to overnutrition.…”

Association between dietary diversity score and anthropometric indices among children and adolescents: the weight disorders survey in theCASPIAN‐IVstudy

“…Similarly, Iranian adolescents aged 15–18 years, in the highest category of DDS had slightly higher anthropometric indices such as BMI and WC than others. A higher DDS may lead to lower obesity if individuals consume more healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, non‐fatty meat, whole grains, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin C 34,35 . In contrast, studies on Iranian female youth showed that DDS was correlated with a lower risk of general and abdominal obesity 13 .…”

“…The findings of the meta‐analysis showed that increasing the consumption of whole‐fat and low‐fat dairy foods led to weight gain. This could be due to increased calorie intake 35,49 . A study on UK children showed that diet with high dairy and milk protein was associated with weight gain and higher risk of obesity, while a diet with low dairy protein (especially animal‐based milk) and higher amounts of plant protein was more appropriate for weight regulation 50 .…”