Association of Overweight with Food Portion Size among Adults of Sao Paulo - Brazil

Author(s)

Pereira, Jaqueline Lopes ; Mendes, Aline ; Crispim, Sandra Patricia ; Marchioni, Dirce Maria ; Fisberg, Regina Mara

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 11, n. 10 OCT 5 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Background Although studies show that portion size affects energy intake, few have demonstrated a link between portion size and weight status, especially in free-living populations. The objective of the present study was to assess the relationship between food portion sizes and overweight in a representative population of adults of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods Cross-sectional population-based study with 1005 adults from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Dietary data were obtained from two 24-hour recalls. Reported foods were classified into groups and energy contribution, prevalence of consumers and portion sizes were calculated. Individuals were classified according to BMI in with and without overweight. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between food portion sizes and being overweight. Results The most consumed food groups were: beans, breads/rolls, coffee/tea, milk, rice, and sugar. Rice, red meat, breads/rolls, and white meat were the groups with the highest percentage of contribution to total energy intake. Butter/margarine, toasts/biscuits, sugar, and cakes were the groups with the highest energy density. After adjustment for confounding variables, overweight was associated with larger portions of pizza (OR = 1.052; p = 0.048), red meat (OR = 1.025; p = 0.043), rice (OR = 1.033; p<0.001), salted snacks (OR = 1.078; p = 0.022), and soft drinks (OR = 1.016; p = 0.007). Conclusions Larger portions of few food groups with different energy densities were associated with being overweight, suggesting that overweight may be related to the consumption of larger portion sizes of a series of food groups, not a food group alone. Additionally, we highlight the importance of considering underreporting as a confounding factor in these associations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/08431-8 - Portions of food and number of meals for adults and the elderly in São Paulo: relationship with nutritional status and lipid profile.
• Grantee: Jaqueline Lopes Pereira França
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 09/15831-0 - Dietary factors, homocystein, MTHFR gene polymorphisms, and cardiovascular risk in adults and the elderly: a population-based study - ISA - Capital
• Grantee: Regina Mara Fisberg
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants