[Eating habits and cardiovascular risk factors. Epidemiologic study of the Tunisian Sahel]

We assessed carbohydrate, fat and protein calorie intake in the urban population of Sousse, Tunisia in 1996 to evaluate the relationship with cardiovascular risk factors.

A descriptive epidemiology study of a representative sample (n = 957) of the adult population living in the urban areas of Sousse was based on a standardized questionnaire and physical examination (blood pressure, weight, height). Dietitians recorded food intake (previous 24 hours) and eating habits in all participants. In this population, estimated prevalences were: hypertension 18.8%, diabetes 10.2%, obesity 27.7%, android obesity 36%, smoking 21.4%.

Total calorie intake was 2483 kcal (67% carbohydrates, 18% protein, 15% fat). There were no significant differences by sex or by presence or absence of cardiovascular risk factors.

This descriptive study confirmed the epidemiologic transition of the urban population of Sousse, Tunisia. Increased cardiovascular risk results from high, predominantly carbohydrate, calorie intake. It would be advisable to encourage nutritional education on the individual level and the Mediterranean diet on the population level.