Breakfast-Based Dietary Patterns and Obesity in Tehranian Adults

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Breakfast is a crucial meal influencing dietary patterns, nutrient intake, and overall diet quality.
• Central obesity is a significant health concern, particularly among middle-aged adults.
• Understanding breakfast habits can provide insights into obesity prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between distinct breakfast dietary patterns and the prevalence of general and central obesity.
• To identify specific breakfast compositions linked to increased obesity risk in adults.
• To provide evidence for dietary recommendations targeting obesity reduction.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 840 healthy adults aged 20-59 years.
• Dietary intake assessed using three 24-hour recalls; anthropometric measurements taken.
• Factor analysis identified dietary patterns; logistic regression analyzed associations with obesity.

Main Results:

• Three primary breakfast patterns emerged: 'bread and grains, meat products, and coffee'; 'sweets, tea and coffee'; and 'fruits, vegetables, and eggs'.
• Higher consumption of 'sweets, tea and coffee' was associated with increased odds of central obesity (OR=1.80, P=0.001).
• Increased adherence to 'bread and grains, meat products, and coffee' also raised the likelihood of central obesity (OR=1.67, P=0.03).

Conclusions:

• Specific breakfast dietary patterns are significantly associated with increased odds of central obesity in Iranian adults.
• Dietary choices at breakfast, particularly those high in sweets or refined grains and meat, may contribute to central adiposity.
• Findings underscore the need for targeted dietary interventions focusing on breakfast composition for obesity management.