A posteriori healthy dietary patterns may decrease the risk of central obesity: findings from a systematic review and...

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Metabolic Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Central obesity is a significant component of metabolic syndrome.
• Previous studies on dietary patterns and central obesity have yielded inconclusive results.
• A comprehensive summary of existing data is needed to clarify these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis summarizing data on the association between a posteriori dietary patterns and central obesity in adults.
• To test the hypothesis that healthy dietary patterns are associated with a reduced risk of central obesity.

Main Methods:

• Searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for English-language studies published up to December 2015.
• Included 13 studies (12 cross-sectional, 1 case-control) reporting risk estimates for central obesity.
• Assessed heterogeneity using Cochran Q test and I²; conducted subgroup analyses based on sex, country, and continent.

Main Results:

• A healthy/prudent dietary pattern was significantly associated with a decreased risk of central obesity (pooled OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.66-0.96]).
• An Unhealthy/Western dietary pattern showed a nonsignificant increase in central obesity risk (OR 1.16 [95% CI 0.96-1.35]).
• Significant heterogeneity was observed, with sex, country, and continent identified as potential sources.

Conclusions:

• A posteriori healthy dietary patterns may play a role in decreasing the risk of central obesity.
• No significant association was found between unhealthy dietary patterns and central obesity.
• Future research should focus on well-designed clinical trials investigating dietary patterns and central obesity.