Evaluation of the Relationship Between Dietary Energy Density with Body Mass Index in Adult Individuals

Abstract

Aim: This study was performed to evaluate the association between dietary energy density and body mass index (BMI) in adults. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted on 201 individuals, aged between 19-65 years old who were admitted to Obesity Consultation Unit of Mardin Nusaybin Community Health Center. Data about general demographic characteristics, biochemical analysis, nutritional habits and food consumption of individuals were collected via a questionnaire with a face to face interview. Anthropometric measurements of participants were measured and BMI were calculated. BMI were classified according to WHO criteria. Dietary energy density and food quantities were calculated by the assessment of the three-day food consumption records. Results: The mean age of the individuals was 33.9±10.0 years. The diet energy density of underweight and normal subjects was found 1.0±0.23 kcal/g and 1.19±0.18 kcal/g, respectively. The most dietary energy density was found in morbid obese and it was significantly higher than the other groups (1.5 ±0.18 kcal/g) (p<0.05). While the lowest daily energy intake was found in underweight subjects (1100±221.9 kcal), the highest was found in morbid obese (2119±321.7 kcal). The daily amount of foods consumed by underweight, normal and overweight was 1076±249.2 g, 1160±396.7 g and 1306±299.0 g, respectively. The highest percentage of energy from carbohydrate was found in underweight group (58.5±3.1%), while the highest percentage of energy from fat and protein was found in morbid obese group (34.1±4.0%, 15.9 ±1.3%, respectively). A positive association between BMI and dietary energy density was found (r=0.281; p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result of the study a positive relationship between the dietary energy density and BMI was found. It was concluded that providing a nutritional model application based on low-density energy consumption is an important strategy in the prevention and treatment of obesity.