Nutrition/Obesity
Trends in solid fat and oil consumption and their association with metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults: A trend analysis of NHANES 2007–2018 Miyuki Shimizu* Miyuki Shimizu Deirdre Tobias Sarinnapha Vasunilashorn
This study examines temporal trends in dietary fat consumption and its association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence among U.S. adults. We hypothesize that higher solid fat intake increases MetS prevalence, while higher oil intake decreases it. We conducted a repeated cross-sectional analysis using 2007–2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED). The sample included 11,720 non-pregnant adults aged ≥20 years, excluding those with implausible energy intakes or missing data. Intake of solid fats and oils was assessed via 24-hour recalls. MetS was defined as having ≥3 of the following: elevated waist circumference, triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, or low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. We conducted multivariable regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between fat intakes and MetS prevalence, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors. From 2007 to 2018, MetS prevalence increased from 24% to 28%. During this period, mean solid fat intake decreased from 40 to 37 g/day, while oil intake increased from 22 to 31 g/day, reflecting a shift toward healthier oils in alignment with dietary guidelines. Higher solid fat intake was associated with increased odds of MetS (OR=1.20, CI:1.00–1.43), elevated waist circumference (OR=1.35, CI:1.11–1.64), and fasting glucose (OR=1.30, CI:1.06–1.59). In contrast, higher oil intake was not significantly associated with MetS (OR=0.87, CI:0.75–1.02), but was inversely associated with elevated triglycerides (OR=0.72, CI:0.61–0.84) and low HDL cholesterol (OR=0.86, CI:0.74–1.00). This study highlights a shift in the U.S. diet from solid fats to oils, in line with dietary guidelines. However, individuals who continue to consume higher amounts of solid fats are more likely to have MetS, suggesting that further public health efforts are necessary.
