J Obes Metab Syndr.  2024 Sep;33(3):240-250. 10.7570/jomes24001.

Associations between Global Diet Quality Score and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

• Hosseini-Esfahani F
• Daei S
• Ildarabadi A
• Koochakpoor G
• Mirmiran P
• Azizi F

• KMID: 2559982
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7570/jomes24001

Abstract

Background
Various food quality indicators have been proposed as tools for predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study investigated the association between global diet quality score (GDQS) and the risks of developing MetS and its components.
Methods
In this secondary analysis, we included elective adult participants (n=4,548) from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Dietary data were collected by a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. MetS was defined according to the Iranian modified National Cholesterol Education Program. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the incidence of MetS in association with GDQS.
Results
This study involved 1,762 men and 2,786 women with a mean±standard deviation age of 38.6±14.3 and 35.9±11.8 years, respectively. A total of 1,279 subjects developed MetS during the mean follow-up of 6.23 years. Incidence of MetS was associated with GDQS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.00; 0.90 [95% confidence interval, CI, 0.82 to 0.98]; 0.84 [95% CI, 0.76 to 0.91]; 0.80 [95% CI, 0.73 to 0.89]; P for trend <0.001) after adjusting for confounding variables. The healthy food group component of GDQS was related to MetS incidence. GDQS in the range of 12%–17% in the fourth quartile was associated with a decrease in incidence of MetS components. Both healthy and unhealthy food group components of the GDQS decreased the incidence of high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and high fasting blood glucose.
Conclusion
Higher GDQS was associated with a lower risk of the incidence of MetS or its components among Tehranian adults. Higher intake of healthy food group components and lower consumption of unhealthy food group components of the GDQS predicted lower MetS incidence and risk factors.

Keyword

Metabolic syndrome; Global diet quality score; Triglycerides; Blood pressure; Waist circumference; HDL cholesterol; Fasting blood glucose