A high eating frequency is associated with an overall healthy lifestyle in middle-aged men and women and reduced likelihood of general and central obesity in men

摘要

The role of eating frequency in obesity development is debated. Therefore, we investigated the association between eating frequency, BMI andnwaist circumference (WC), as well as how eating frequency is related to diet composition and lifestyle factors. A subsample (aged 47–68 years)nof men (n 1355) and women (n 1654) from the Malmo¨ Diet and Cancer cohort was used for the present cross-sectional study. The daily eatingnfrequency was calculated based on the number of self-reported eating occasions during an ordinary day. Regression analysis and ANOVAnexamined the associations between eating frequency, BMI and WC, while adjusting for potential confounders. The energy percentage (E%)nfrom carbohydrates as well as relative fibre intake (g/MJ) increased with higher eating frequency; while E% from fat, protein and alcoholndecreased. A low daily eating frequency was associated with smoking, higher alcohol consumption, and lower leisure-time physical activity.nEating three or fewer meals per d was also associated with increased likelihood of general and central obesity in men when adjusting for totalnenergy intake, lifestyle and dietary factors. However, results did not reach statistical significance among women. The present study suggestsnthat a high daily eating frequency is associated with a healthy lifestyle and dietary pattern in both men and women, and a reduced likelihoodnof general and central obesity in men. There is a need for prospective studies investigating the association between eating frequency, diet andnbody composition.