Whole grain consumption and body mass index in adult women: an analysis of NHANES 1999-2000 and the USDA pyramid servings database.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between whole grain consumption and body mass index (BMI) in a sample of American adult women.


METHODS
Dietary intake data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000 were linked to the USDA Pyramid Servings Database. Women 19 years of age and older (n = 2,092) were classified into groups based on their average whole grain (WG) intake: 0 servings, more than 0 but less than 1 serving, and > or =1 servings per day. Within these classifications, mean BMI, mean waist circumference and percent overweight/obese (BMI > or = 25) were identified as primary dependent variables. Regression and logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between BMI, waist circumference and percent of the population overweight/obese (BMI > or =25) and WG consumption.


RESULTS
Women consuming at least one serving of WG had a significantly lower mean BMI and waist circumference than women with no WG consumption (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant inverse relationship between BMI and whole grain intake after adjustment for age, energy intake, dietary fiber and alcohol intake (p = 0.004). This effect was mildly attenuated but remained significant after further adjustment for level of physical activity, smoking status, ethnicity and education (p = 0.018). The odds ratio for having a BMI > or = 25 was 1.47 (95% CI 1.12-1.94; p for trend 0.013) for women consuming no WG compared to those consuming at least one serving, after adjustment for all covariates.


CONCLUSIONS
These data support other research suggesting increased WG intake may contribute to a healthy body weight in adult women.
Good
Carolyn K
CK
General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA. Carolyn.Good@genmills.com
Holschuh
Norton
N
Albertson
Ann M
AM
Eldridge
Alison L
AL
D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D002523:Edible Grain; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D049629:Waist-Hip Ratio