Food Addiction, Saturated Fat Intake, and Body Mass Index in Peruvian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute one of the main public health problems and represent a greater risk of mortality and morbidity for the world population. The objective of the study was to determine food addiction, saturated fat intake, and body mass index (BMI) in Peruvian adults. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional online survey was applied to 394 Peruvian adults over 18 years old residing in the three regions of the country. Participant data was collected through a prestructured online electronic survey. Food addiction was assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale self-administered questionnaire. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to measure saturated fat intake. Finally, the sociodemographic and anthropometric variables were collected through a registration form. Results. There were no significant differences in food addiction between men and women ( p < 0.05 ). More than half of the participants who presented food addiction are overweight (54.1%, p < 0.001 ). The highest proportion of those who had a high intake of saturated fat had a food addiction (62.6%, p < 0.001 ). The highest percentage of men who were overweight was higher compared to women (49.7% vs. 38.4%, p < 0.05 ). Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that addictive eating behaviors and high saturated fat intake should be considered as part of efforts to prevent problems related to eating, obesity, and CVD.

Excess Weight and Body Fat Percentage Associated with Waist Circumference as a Cardiometabolic Risk Factor in University Students

“…These results coincide with the findings of a previous study carried out in university students, in which it was found that men had greater excess body weight [ 25 ]. Similarly, other studies showed statistically significant differences in terms of obesity between men and women [ 16 , 26 , 27 ]. Epidemiological evidence available in Western countries shows an increasing trend of obesity in males than females [ 28 ].…”

Overweight and Obesity, Body Fat, Waist Circumference, and Anemia in Peruvian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Another study reported that the risk of being overweight and obese was 3.8 times higher among male students [ 23 ]. Moreover, recent evidence from studies carried out in Peru shows that Peruvian men have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity [ 24 ]. However, there are discrepancies with the findings reported by Soares and Barreto [ 25 ], who reported that Brazilian women are more overweight and obese than men, showing that they have 2.2 times the risk of being overweight or obese compared to men.…”

Relationship Between Dietary Self-Efficacy and Religiosity Among Seventh-Day Adventists in Peru

“…Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a plant-based diet with plenty of minimally processed plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains 6 as well as the Mediterranean diet, with healthy foods such as fish and fermented or low-fat dairy products, may be beneficial in the prevention of NCDs. 7 In contrast, studies have shown that foods high in saturated fats, free sugars, and sodium represent a major risk factor for NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, 8 increased risk of overweight/obesity, 9 type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, 10 and different types of cancer. 11 In addition, other research has indicated that excessive consumption of high-calorie dense foods, characterized by being poor in beneficial nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and bioactive elements, is associated with a higher probability of all-cause mortality.…”