Comparison of low and high fat consumers in the UK Women’s Cohort Study

Abstract

Participants of the UK Women’s Cohort Study (n = 35,368) completed a 217-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. Low fat (LF) consumers (<68 g fat/day, <30%E from fat) had higher intakes of most nutrients per 1000 kcals compared to high-fat (HF) consumers (>93 g fat/day, >35%E from fat). More LF consumers followed low-fat diets (43%) compared to HF consumers (13%), ate small portion sizes, took nutritional supplements and abstained from alcohol. BMI and age were both higher in LF consumers. Fewer LF consumers lived with their partners compared to HF consumers. More LF consumers had no academic qualifications (20%) compared to HF consumers (14%), but more LF consumers had managerial occupations. A multiple logistic regression model was performed to determine independent predictors of low-fat consumption. The strongest predictors were vegetarian status, marital status, socio-economic group, employment status, education level and “following low-fat and slimming diets”. All differences described above were statistically significant ( p < 0.01). These findings support the concept that LF consumers are more health conscious than HF consumers. Health promotion should therefore, be targeted towards non-vegetarian, married housewives who are in the lower socio-economic group for reduction of fat intake.