Gender differences in dietary intakes, anthropometrical measurements and biochemical indices in an urban adult population: the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: In order to investigate gender differences in health indices, dietary intakes and obesity in urban Iranian adults, we considered a sub-sample of the adult population of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Methods and Results: The randomly selected sub-sample consisted of 483 subjects aged 25–50 years (229 men and 254 women) and 153 aged more than 50 years (81 men and 72 women). Their anthropometrical variables were recorded, and their body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio were calculated. Dietary intake was assessed by means of two-day dietary recall and the completion of dietary habit questionnaires during face-to-face interviews. Underreporting was defined as a ratio of energy intake (EI)/basal metabolic rate (BMR) <1.27. The mean BMI of the women in both age groups was significantly higher than that of the men ( p<0.05). Central obesity was more frequent in the women and among older subjects. The women had higher plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but lower levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Underreporting of EI was more frequent in the women than the men: 34.0% vs 15.4% in the younger group, and 40.3% vs 17.3% in the older group ( p<0.01). There were major gender differences in the mean daily intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, fibre, cholesterol, iron, calcium and phosphorus. A higher proportion of women met the cholesterol intake guidelines. Data from the dietary habit questionnaires showed that more men than women usually sprinkle salt on their food. Conclusions: The results of this study partially support the hypothesis of gender differences in dietary intakes, and the prevalence of obesity and some health-related indices, and suggest the need for gender-specific, targeted nutrition messages and behavioural interventions in developing prevention strategies for cardiovascular risk factors.