Whole-grain intake as a marker of healthy body weight and adiposity.
OBJECTIVE
To review evidence relating to the consumption of whole grains and healthy body weight (BW).


METHODS
Systematic review and analysis of observational studies reporting whole-grain consumption and measures of BW and adiposity, including the effect on macronutrient intakes and lifestyle factors.


METHODS
Medline and other databases were searched for the period 1990 to 2006 to produce a full reference list; observational studies were retained for further analysis if they included an appropriate control group and reported whole-grain intake and body mass index (BMI) or a measure of adiposity.


METHODS
Fifteen trials were identified which included data from 119 829 male and female subjects aged 13 years and over.


RESULTS
The combined and weighted mean difference in BMI from 15 studies representing 20 treatment groups (n = 119 829) using a random-effects model was 0.630 kg/m2 lower when high versus low whole-grain intake was compared, P < 0.0001 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.460, 0.800 kg/m2). In high consumers, adiposity assessed as waist circumference was reduced by 2.7 (95 % CI 0.2, 5.2) cm, P = 0.03 (six data sets, n = 4178) or as waist:hip ratio by 0.023 (95 % CI 0.016, 0.030), P < 0.0001 (four data sets, n = 20 147). Higher intake of whole grains led to increased dietary fibre intake (9 g, P < 0.01), while total and saturated fat intakes decreased by 11 g and 3.9 g, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
A higher intake of whole grains (about three servings per day) was associated with lower BMI and central adiposity. In addition, people who consume more whole grains are likely to have a healthier lifestyle as fewer of them smoke, they exercise more frequently and they tend to have lower fat and higher fibre intakes.
Harland
Janice I
JI
HarlandHall Associates, The Stables, Ranbury Ring, London Road, Poulton, Cirencester, GL7 5HN, UK. jan.harland@harlandhall.co.uk
Garton
Lynne E
LE
D050154:Adiposity / Q000187:drug effects*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002523:Edible Grain; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D049629:Waist-Hip Ratio
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber