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Interaction of body mass index and attempt to lose weight in a national sample of US adults: association with reported food and nutrient intake, and biomarkers

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the interaction between body mass index (BMI) and attempting to lose weight for reporting of: (1) macro- and micronutrient intake; (2) intake of low-nutrient-density foods; and (3) serum biomarkers of dietary exposure and cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods: Dietary, anthropometric and biochemical data were from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994), n=13 095. Multiple regression methods were used to examine the independent associations of BMI, trying to lose weight, or the interaction of BMI–trying to lose weight with reported intakes of energy, nutrients, percentage energy from low-nutrient-density foods (sweeteners, baked and dairy desserts, visible fats and salty snacks), and serum concentrations of vitamins, carotenoids and lipids.

Results: BMI was an independent positive predictor (P<0.05) of percentage of energy from fat, saturated fat, but a negative predictor of the ratio of reported energy intake to estimated expenditure for basal needs (EI/BEE), percentage of energy from carbohydrate and alcohol (men only), and serum concentrations of folate, vitamin C, vitamin E and most carotenoids in both men and women. Trying to lose weight was a negative predictor (P<0.05) of EI/BEE, intake of energy, and energy density, but not micronutrient intake. Higher mean serum ascorbate, vitamin E, lutein/zeaxanthin, and other carotenoids (men only) concentrations were associated with trying to lose weight (P<0.05) in both men and women. Few adverse BMI-trying to lose weight interaction effects were noted.

Conclusion: There was little evidence of increased nutritional risk in those reportedly trying to lose weight irrespective of weight status.

Sponsorship: NIH research grant (R03 CA81604) and a USDA NRICGP award (NYR-9700611).

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Acknowledgements

I thank Daniel F Heitjan, Columbia University, School of Public Health, New York, for statistical consultation, and Lisa L Kahle for expert programming assistance.

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Correspondence to A K Kant.

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Kant, A. Interaction of body mass index and attempt to lose weight in a national sample of US adults: association with reported food and nutrient intake, and biomarkers. Eur J Clin Nutr 57, 249–259 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601549

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