engleski

Eating patterns and obesity in Croatian adults

Aims: To characterize eating patterns in relation to obesity in Croatian adults and to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) of subjects and their food and energy intake. Methods: Forty-five volunteers participated in the study, of which 18 were overweight (BMI 27.0 kg/m2 ; aged 22-51 y), and 27 normal weight subjects (BMI 21.8 kg/m2 ; aged 23-52 y). A method of 7-day weighed dietary records was used. Results: There was no difference in meal frequency between overweight and normal weight subjects (4.4 vs 4.3 meals/day). A relatively small percentage of subjects were classified as breakfast skippers (17 % in overweight and 11 % in normal weight group). The two weight status groups differed in meal pattern across the day. The overweight subjects consumed a somewhat greater number of meals later in the day. The most substantial meal in both groups was the lunch. Although the difference did not reach statistical significance, the overweight subjects had a slightly higher energy intake compared to normal weight subjects (2009 vs 1871 kcal/d). The overweight group also had higher intakes of all food groups except fats and oils as well as sugar and sweets but the difference was only statistically significant for meat (p<0.05). According to correlation analysis, a statistically significant association was established between subjects' BMI and their total food, meat and vegetables intake, respectively (r=0.32, p<0.05 ; r=0.32, p<0.05 ; r=0.40, p<0.01). Conclusions: The data of this study point that there are some differences in eating patterns of subjects, though they are not statistically significant.

eating patterns; obesity; adults

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