Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Samoans ,

Abstract

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has reached epidemic levels in the Samoan Islands. In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2002-2003, dietary patterns were described among American Samoan (n = 723) and Samoan (n = 785) adults (> or =18 y) to identify neo-traditional and modern eating patterns and to relate these patterns to the presence of metabolic syndrome using Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The neo-traditional dietary pattern, similar across both polities, was characterized by high intake of local foods, including crab/lobster, coconut products, and taro, and low intake of processed foods, including potato chips and soda. The modern pattern, also similar across both polities, was characterized by high intake of processed foods such as rice, potato chips, cake, and pancakes and low intake of local foods. The neo-traditional dietary pattern was associated with significantly higher serum HDL-cholesterol in American Samoa (P-trend = 0.05) and a decrease in abdominal circumference in American Samoa and Samoa (P-trend = 0.004 and 0.01, respectively). An inverse association was found with metabolic syndrome, although it did not reach significance (P = 0.23 in American Samoa; P = 0.13 in Samoa). The modern pattern was significantly positively associated with metabolic syndrome in Samoa (prevalence ratio = 1.21 for the fifth compared with first quintile; 95% CI: 0.93.1.57; P-trend = 0.05) and with increased serum triglyceride levels in both polities (P < 0.05). Reduced intake of processed foods high in refined grains and adherence to a neo-traditional eating pattern characterized by plant-based fiber, seafood, and coconut products may help to prevent growth in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Samoan islands.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in unipolar major depression

“…We have no or insufficient information about the eating habits and the educational level of either the MDD patients or the primary care subjects. Eating habits have been shown to contribute to the development of the metabolic syndrome, such as overeating, increased intake of processed foods, saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids and decreased intake of fruits and fish [9,13,16,41]. Furthermore, several studies in different countries found a negative association between the prevalence of the MetS, cardiovascular risk and the socioeconomic status, particularly in females [2,4,15,26].…”

Behavioral changes associated with economic development in the South Pacific: Health transition in Vanuatu

“…For example, populations in Papua New Guinea suffer continuing undernutrition and infection (Ulijaszek, 2000), along with increasing BMI, prevalence of overweight (Benjamin, 2007;Ulijaszek, 1993), and central fat distribution (Norgan, 1987) largely associated with modernization since the 1950s. During this period, intake of protein, energy, and storebought foods increased (Harvey and Heywood, 1983), just as observed in Vanuatu and across the Pacific, including in Fiji (Collins et al, 1996;Taylor et al, 1992), Guam (Guerrero et al, 2008), Kiribati (King et al, 1984a;Taylor et al, 1992), Nauru (King et al, 1984b;Ringrose and Zimmet, 1979;Sicree et al, 1987;Zimmet et al, 1978), New Caledonia (Papoz et al, 1996), Samoa (Baker et al, 1986;Dibello et al, 2009;Galanis et al, 1999), the Solomon Islands (Eason et al, 1987;Friedlaender, 1987), and Tuvulu (Wicking et al, 1981).…”

“…Numerous Pacific studies suggest that increasing rates of chronic diseases are associated with migration to urban areas (Joseph et al, 1983;Ostbye et al, 1989;Pawson and Janes, 1982;Prior et al, 1974;Salmond et al, 1985), urbanization (Baker et al, 1986;Benjamin, 2006;Coyne et al, 1984;DiBello et al, 2009;Ezeamama et al, 2006;Friedlaender, 1987;Harvey and Heywood, 1983;Hodge et al, 1995;Kende, 2001;King et al, 1994;Lindeberg et al, 1999;McGarvey et al, 1989;McGarvey, 1991;Norgan, 1995;Russell-Jones et al, 1990;Saweri, 2001;Taylor et al, 1991Taylor et al, , 1992Ulijaszek, 2003;Zimmet et al, 1978), and having relatives in urban areas, who send remittances and influence attitudes about cultural change (Ulijaszek, 2005). However, identifying specific behavioral changes associated with modernization is difficult.…”

Cardiovascular disease risk factors and DNA methylation at theLINE-1repeat region in peripheral blood from Samoan Islanders

“…1 These high prevalences of obesity has lead to rapid rises in obesity-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. 2 The rapid temporal rise of Samoan obesity and obesity-related diseases has been attributed to modernization and its associated nutritional transition, in which these developing nations are consuming more calorie-rich foods and expending less energy. 1 Although these behavioral factors are linked to obesity and obesityrelated diseases, genetic factors have also been shown to play an important role in Samoan obesity and obesity-related risk factors.…”