Association of dietary patterns and practices on metabolic syndrome in adults with central obesity attending a mission hospital in Kenya: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Dietary patterns and practices can predispose or protect against metabolic syndrome (MetS) in humans. Despite the growing problem of MetS in adults, the underpinning dietary behaviour is poorly understood. We determined the dietary patterns and practices relevant to MetS in adults with central obesity attending a mission hospital in Kenya.

Study design: Descriptive, cross-sectional.

Setting: Outpatient clinic of a mission-based hospital in Nairobi.

Participants: Adults (N=404) aged 18-64 years diagnosed with central obesity as per the International Diabetes Federation definition for MetS.

Primary outcomes: Anthropometric measurements, clinical-biochemical markers and dietary components, quantity and frequency of food intake, as well as time-lapse between consumption of dinner and sleeping.

Results: A high (87.2%) prevalence of MetS was observed for respondents who reported consumption of large amount of carbohydrates (p<0.001), proteins (p<0.001), processed/fast foods (p<0.001) and sugar (p=0.009). Frequent consumption of legumes (p<0.001), nuts (p<0.001), fruits (p<0.001) and vegetables (p=0.021) was linked to reduced MetS. Additionally, longer interval between eating dinner and going to bed was associated with reduced MetS.

Conclusion: Regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, as well as observing sometime after eating dinner before sleeping, was the dietary pattern significantly associated with a lower risk of MetS. Whereas, consumption of a large quantity of carbohydrates, proteins, processed/fast foods and sugar is likely to predispose to MetS. The findings underscore the need to focus on specific dietary intake patterns including frequency, quantity, quality and variety for MetS prevention and management. The MetS-related interventions could be implemented during individual consultation, group and community health messaging sessions.