The Association between Carbohydrate Intake and Waist Circumference

Park, Sookyoung; Park, Min Seon; Ko, Jeong Ah

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity is an important factor of metabolic syndrome and it is known as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of obese population in Korea is lower than that of the Western countries, but the prevalence of obesity related chronic diseases in Korea is as high as that in the western countries. The aim of this study is to recommend a desirable diet pattern to maintain good health by examining the association of waist circumference and carbohydrate intake in Korea.
METHODS
From June 2003 to April 2006, 2066 subjects (men 976, women 1090) who aged 40 to 64 years and underwent a medical checkup in the health promotion center at a university hospital in Seoul were selected. Anthropometric parameters were assessed, including waist circumference and dietary data which was obtained by 24-hour recall method. The nutrient data were analyzed by CAN-pro 2.0, nutritional analysis program. To evaluate the association between different variables and waist circumference, we conducted univariate and multiple linear regression analysis.
RESULTS
In both men and women, variables such as total calorie intake, carbohydrate intake, protein intake, fat intake, and BMI had positive association with waist circumference according to univariate linear regression model. After adjusting total calorie intake, there was no association between nutrient intake and waist circumference in men. However, there was a positive association between carbohydrate intake (beta = 0.027, P < 0.001) and waist circumference in women.
CONCLUSION
In 40~64 aged women, carbohydrate intake has a positive association with waist circumference. It is necessary to study this association in conjunction with other life style factors among various populations.