Abstract
ObjectivesA healthy dietary habit is essential for preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We aimed to assess the adherence to the Chinese Food Pagoda (CFP) proposed in the Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2016 in the high-risk population of NCDs in central China.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in two large enterprises (totally 3,016 employees) from October to December 2019 in Hubei Province (central China). The high-risk population of NCDs was identified by physical examination, laboratory test and face-to-face questionnaire survey according to the National Norms for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases issued by the Chinese government. We assessed the deviation of real diet from the CFP recommended diet in the high-risk population of NCDs.ResultsA total of 821 participants aged 35–59 years old with at least one high-risk factor of NCDs were enrolled in our study. Of them, 53.8% were daily smokers, 49.6% had elevated blood cholesterol, 31.4% were centrally obese, 23.3% had high normal blood pressure, and 3.5% had impaired fasting glucose. Significant disparity was detected in the high-risk population of NCDs between real food consumption and the CFP's recommendation (P < 0.05), such as the deficient intake of nuts and milk and dairy products, and the over-consumption of cereals, meat and poultry, oil, and salt. Participants with impaired fasting glucose had the highest intake of cereals and vegetables on average. Participants with central obesity were more likely to consume meat and poultry (P < 0.05). The lowest average intake of eggs and the highest average intake of milk and dairy products were found in participants with high blood cholesterol (P < 0.05). The daily smokers were more likely to consume beans and nuts (P < 0.05). The lowest average intake of fruits and the highest average intake of tubers were found in participants with high normal blood pressure (P < 0.05).ConclusionAdherence to CFP in the high-risk population of NCDs appeared to be challenging. It is necessary to adopt dietary education campaign focusing on the high-risk population of NCDs to prevent or delay the occurrence of NCDs.
Highlights
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are characterized as chronic and slow-progressing diseases [1], which were collectively responsible for 71% of all deaths worldwide [2]
In 2011, the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China issued the National Norms for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases [20], stipulating that those who met at least one of the following criteria was defined as people at high risk of NCDs: [1] high normal blood pressure: 130 mmHg ≤ systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤ 139 mmHg and/or 85 mmHg ≤ diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≤ 89 mmHg. [2] Smoking daily
More than half (59.0%) of the participants had a high school education, and 190 (23.1%) had a college education or above. 58.6% of the participants were of normal weight, and 270 (32.9%) were overweight. 100 (12.2%) of the participants had three or more high-risk factors of NCDs, and 53.8% had only one high-risk factor of NCDs
Summary
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are characterized as chronic and slow-progressing diseases [1], which were collectively responsible for 71% of all deaths worldwide [2]. A healthy diet with a wide variety of foods can provide a range of nutrients to the body, which play an important role in reducing the occurrence of NCDs [3]. Modern lifestyles have led to dietary changes characterized by insufficient fiber intake and increased consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, which are associated with the increasing risk of NCDs. There is obviously sufficient evidence indicating the association of increased incidence of type 2 diabetes with higher intake of meat and lower intake of cereal fiber. To achieve the global goal of reducing the burden of NCDs, one of the most important ways is to limit unhealthy lifestyle choices and develop a healthy diet
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