Abstract
A limited number of studies have found that soup consumption is related to a lower risk of overweight and obesity in Asian and European populations, however, these studies do not provide a consistent picture regarding the association between soup consumption and markers of metabolic syndrome. To date, no study examining the relationship between soup and body weight or metabolic syndrome have been conducted in the US population. The present study used a sample of 4158 adults aged 19–64 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2003 and 2006. The frequency of soup consumption was determined using a food frequency questionnaire. The weighted prevalence of soup consumption was 94%, with a seasonal variation in the frequency of soup consumption being found. Non-consumers of soup were at a higher risk of being overweight or obese (adjusted odds ratio = 1.381, P = 0.013), with a higher adjusted prevalence of reduced HDL cholesterol (adjusted odds ratio = 1.280, P = 0.045), but there was no association between soup consumption and metabolic syndrome (P = 0.520). The frequency of soup consumption was inversely associated with covariate-adjusted body mass index and waist circumference (P<0.05), but not with biomarkers of metabolic syndrome, except for a lower fasting insulin level in frequent soup consumers (P = 0.022). Results from the present study suggest soup consumption is not associated with metabolic syndrome. However, there is an inverse relationship between soup consumption and body weight status in US adults, which support laboratory studies showing a potential benefit of soup consumption for body weight management.
Highlights
The number of people with overweight/obesity or metabolic syndrome has increased over the past few decades [1,2]
The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between soup consumption and body weight status as well as metabolic syndrome in US adults, using data collected in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Overweight/Obesity Metabolic syndrome Elevated waist circumference Elevated triglycerides Elevated fasting glucose Reduced HDL cholesterol Elevated blood pressure aOverweight/Obesity is defined by body mass index (BMI)$25.0 kg/m2; criteria for other conditions were defined by American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute guideline
Summary
The number of people with overweight/obesity or metabolic syndrome has increased over the past few decades [1,2]. Recent studies report that 69.2% of US adults were overweight or obese in 2009–2010 [3], whereas 34% of US adults met the criteria for metabolic syndrome in 2003–2006 [4]. These disorders place economic burdens on both the individual and society [5]. Identifying risk factors of overweight/obesity or metabolic syndrome could be helpful for the development of enhanced preventive strategies. A number of dietary factors, such as higher intake of low energy dense foods or dietary fiber, low-fat diets and reduced consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages have been shown a protective effect [9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
