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01-10-2007 | ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION

Relationship of abdominal obesity with alcohol consumption at population scale

Authors: Helmut Schröder, Jose Antonio Morales-Molina, Silvia Bermejo, Diego Barral, Eduardo Soler Mándoli, María Grau, Monica Guxens, Elisabet de Jaime Gil, Marisol Domínguez Álvarez, Jaume Marrugat

Published in: European Journal of Nutrition | Issue 7/2007

Abstract

Background

The high energy content of alcohol makes its consumption a potential contributor to the obesity epidemic.

Aim of the study

To determine whether alcohol consumption is a risk factor for abdominal obesity, taking into account energy underreporting.

Methods

The subjects were Spanish men (n = 1491) and women (n = 1563) aged 25–74 years who were examined in 1999–2000, in a population-based cross-sectional survey in northeastern Spain (Girona). Dietary intake, including alcohol consumption, was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric variables were measured.

Results

The mean consumption of alcohol was 18.1 ± 20.7 g/d in men and 5.3 ± 10.4 g/d in women. 19.3% of men and 2.3% of women reported alcohol consumption of more than 3 drinks per day. The consumption of alcohol was directly associated with total energy intake in men (P < 0.001) and women (P = 0.001). The proportion of energy underreporting significantly (P < 0.001) decreased with higher amounts of alcohol drinking in both genders. Multiple logistic regression analysis, controlled for energy underreporting, smoking, educational level, leisure-time physical activity, energy, and diet quality, revealed that consuming more than 3 drinks of alcohol (>30 g ethanol) was significantly associated with the risk of abdominal obesity (Odds ratio 1.80; 1.05, 3.09) and exceeding recommended energy consumption (Odds ratio 1.97; 1.32, 2.93) in men. A very small number (2.13%) of women in this population reported high levels of alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Alcohol consumption in elevated amounts was associated with risk of abdominal obesity in men, independent of energy underreporting.

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Title: Relationship of abdominal obesity with alcohol consumption at population scale
Authors: Helmut Schröder
Jose Antonio Morales-Molina
Silvia Bermejo
Diego Barral
Eduardo Soler Mándoli
María Grau
Monica Guxens
Elisabet de Jaime Gil
Marisol Domínguez Álvarez
Jaume Marrugat
Publication date: 01-10-2007
Publisher: D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 7/2007
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-007-0674-7

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