Differences in meal patterns and timing with regard to central obesity in the ANIBES (‘Anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients intake, practice of physical activity, socioeconomic data and lifestyles in Spain’) Study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo study the association of meal patterns and timing with central obesity to identify the best dietary strategies to deal with the increasing obesity prevalence.DesignA cross-sectional study performed on data from a representative sample of the Spanish population. Height and waist circumference were measured using standardized procedures and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. The sample was divided into those without central obesity (WHtR<0·5) and those with central obesity (WHtR≥0·5).SettingANIBES (‘Anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients intake, practice of physical activity, socioeconomic data and lifestyles in Spain’) Study.SubjectsAdults aged 18–64 years (n 1655; 798 men and 857 women).ResultsA higher percentage of people ate more than four meals daily in the group without central obesity and those with central obesity more frequently skipped the mid-afternoon snack than those without. Breakfasts containing >25 % of total energy intake and lunches containing >35 % of total energy intake were associated with increased likelihood of central obesity (OR=1·874, 95 % CI 1·019, 3·448; P<0·05 and OR=1·693, 95 % CI 1·264, 2·268; P<0·001, respectively). On the contrary, mid-morning snacks and mid-afternoon snacks containing >15 % of total energy were associated with decreased likelihood of central obesity (OR=0·477, 95 % CI 0·313, 0·727; P<0·001 and OR=0·650, 95 % CI 0·453, 0·932; P<0·05, respectively). The variety of cereals, wholegrain cereals and dairy was higher in the population without central obesity.ConclusionsOur results suggest that ‘what and when we eat’ should be considered dietary strategies to reduce central obesity.

Eating Occasions, Obesity and Related Behaviors in Working Adults: Does it Matter When You Snack?

“…Our findings are consistent with some [4,5,6,26], but not all [27,28], studies noting associations between increased snack frequency and obesity among adults. Our findings are also consistent with others noting positive relationships between evening snacking and obesity [6,9,26] as well as negative relationships between morning and mid-day snacking and obesity [29]. These findings are supported by studies that have noted higher energy-density of snacks overall among U.S. adults [30] as well as higher energy-density of evening snacks and lower energy-density of morning snacks among French adults [31].…”

<p>Eating Habits Among Medical Students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia</p>

“…2,35 Further, in both lean and obese people, frequent snacking may lead to slower weight loss or even weight gain. 36 This study revealed that the proportion of medical students who consumed vegetables and fruits daily was 20.4% and 11.9%, respectively. A prior study conducted in Saudi Arabia among university students showed that 22% of them consumed at least five servings of vegetables per day.…”

Association between breakfast composition and abdominal obesity in the Swiss adult population eating breakfast regularly

“…In our survey, breakfast brought 22% of total energy intake among regular breakfast eaters, and 18% among all survey participants, including occasional breakfast eaters. This proportion is slightly higher than in other western high-income countries: e.g., 14% in the Netherlands [ 49 ], 15% in Britain [ 50 ], 15% in the U.S. [ 15 ], 17% in France [ 51 ], or 16% in Spain [ 52 ]. This may represent different eating habits in the distribution of daily food consumption occasions, the proportion of breakfast skippers, and/or the definition of breakfast.…”