Energy-Dense and Low-Fiber Dietary Pattern May Be a Key Contributor to the Rising Obesity Rates in Brazil

Hybrid methods are a suitable option for extracting dietary patterns associated with health outcomes. This study aimed to identify the dietary patterns of Brazilian adults (20-59 years old; n = 28,153) related to dietary components associated with the risk of obesity. Data from the 2017-2018 Brazilian National Dietary Survey were analyzed. Food consumption was obtained through 24 h recall. Dietary patterns were extracted using partial least squares regression, using energy density (ED), percentage of total fat (%TF), and fiber density (FD) as response variables. In addition, 32 food groups were established as predictor variables in the model. The first dietary pattern, named as energy-dense and low-fiber (ED-LF), included with the positive factor loadings solid fats, breads, added-sugar beverages, fast foods, sauces, pasta, and cheeses, and negative factor loadings rice, beans, vegetables, water, and fruits (≥|0.15|). Higher adherence to the ED-LF dietary pattern was observed for individuals >40 years old from urban areas, in the highest income level, who were not on a diet, reported away-from-home food consumption, and having ≥1 snack/day. The dietary pattern characterized by a low intake of fruits, vegetables, and staple foods and a high intake of fast foods and sugar-sweetened beverages may contribute to the obesity scenario in Brazil.