[Does greater meal frequency decrease the levels of risk factors for non-communicable disease?]

To study the association between the frequency of meals and the levels of non-communicable diseases [NCD] risk factors. The samples comprised 592 [275 men, 317 women] aged 19-50 years, selected randomly from the pool of participants in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Eating patterns were assessed and the number of meals in a day recorded using two-day 24-hour recall questionnaires. We divided the sample into group subgroups: Group 1 comprised subjects taking less than 6 meals per day. Group 2 included those taking 6-7meals per day, the third had 8-9 meals per day, and Group 4 took more than 9 meals per day. Blood lipids were measured after 12-14 hours of fasting; anthropometric indices and blood pressure were also recorded. The four groups were composed of 190, 135, 185, and 82 individuals respectively. The risk of having high total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol was found to decrease with greater meal frequency. No significant difference was observed in the intake of macronutrients. The intake of fibers was greater in the fourth group [P<0.001]. The study shows that increasing meal frequency may decrease the risk of NCDs. Considering the high prevalence of these disorders, changes in eating habits seem necessary

[ association between skipping breakfast and obesity]

Diets of obese persons are less adequate than those with normal weight; obese persons skip breakfast more frequently. The aim of this investigation was to study the association between the regular breakfast intake and the obesity. This cross-sectional study was performed within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study [TLGS] on 562 subjects [279 men and 283 women]. Following the measurement of anthropometric indices, 24-hour dietary recalls for 2 days were collected. There were 2 groups for analysis: group one with breakfast intake [404 subjects] and group two [158 subjects] with no breakfast intake. ANCOVA and logistic regression tests were used for analysis. Sex, age, smoking and total energy intake were adjusted. 72% and 28% of subjects were in the "with breakfast intake" and "no breakfast intake" groups, respectively. There were 61% and 39% women and men in the "no breakfast intake group", respectively. BMI, WC, WHR showed significant differences between two groups. Those with no breakfast intake found to have higher chances for obesity [OR=2.58, 95%CI=1.37-4.85]. Based on our data, breakfast intake has an effect on the risk of obesity. Longitudinal studies with respect to physical activities are recommended

Association between macronutrients intake and cardiovescular risk factors in adults: Tehran lipid and glucose study [TLGS]

Literature on independent relation between macronutrients intake and risk factors cardiovascular disease is sparse. To investigate the possibility of an independent relation between macronutrient intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease. This was a cross sectional study performed on 243 participants of the TLGS study. Blood lipids, anthropometric indices and blood pressure were measured using standard protocols. A 24-hour dietary intake recall for two days was obtained. Logistic regression method was used to determine the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and macronutrients intake. The mean age of participants was 53 +/- 7 years. The men who consumed more carbohydrate had lower chances for hypercholesterolemia. Women with more lipid intake had lower chances for high LDL and hypertension. Individuals in third and fourth quartiles of protein intake had a lower odds ratio for high LDL and hypercholesterolemia in comparison to those in the first quartile. Our data demonstrate an independent relation between some macronutrients intake and cardiovascular risk factors. In future studies, it is recommended that such a relationship to be investigated considering the effects of controlled physical activities