Food Composition of the Diet in Relation to Changes in Waist Circumference Adjusted for Body Mass Index

2011

Diet and Waist Circumference Changes

Sample size: 48631 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Romaguera Dora, Ängquist Lars, Du Huaidong, Jakobsen Marianne Uhre, Forouhi Nita G., Halkjær Jytte, Feskens Edith J. M., van der A Daphne L., Masala Giovanna, Steffen Annika, Palli Domenico, Wareham Nicholas J., Overvad Kim, Tjønneland Anne, Boeing Heiner, Riboli Elio, Sørensen Thorkild I.

Primary Institution: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Hypothesis

What is the association between food group consumption and changes in waist circumference adjusted for body mass index?

Conclusion

A dietary pattern high in fruit and dairy and low in white bread, processed meat, margarine, and soft drinks may help to prevent abdominal fat accumulation.

Supporting Evidence

Higher fruit and dairy consumption is linked to less abdominal fat gain.
White bread, processed meat, margarine, and soft drinks are associated with increased waist circumference.
A dietary pattern combining high fruit and dairy with low processed foods is beneficial for waist circumference.
The study included a large and diverse sample from multiple European countries.

Takeaway

Eating more fruits and dairy while cutting down on white bread and sugary drinks can help keep your belly fat from growing.

Methodology

Data from 48,631 participants in the EPIC study were analyzed using linear regression and meta-analysis to assess the relationship between food consumption and changes in waist circumference.