Calorie and Nutrient Intake in Obese Women With Low-Income

Abstract

Background: Central obesity is a growing pandemic in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the energy intake and nutritional characteristics of low-income obese women. Methods: A total of 103 obese women, age 46 ± 11 years, 89% nonwhite, monthly income up to US $678.00, 77.0% with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and 100.0% with waist circumference > 80.0 cm (106.3 ± 14.2 cm), followed at the Obesity Clinic of the Bahiana School of Medicine, at Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, were studied. Nutritional data was collected by direct interview and by a 24 hour recall on two non-consecutive days. Results: A total of 24 h median energy intake was 1,462 kcal, with a daily median carbohydrate intake of 212.6 g (62.1% within the 55.0-75.0% of the recommended total daily energy intake), with 34.6 g of lipids (> 30%) in 20.4%, and within the daily recommended requirements of 5-30% in 63.1%), 66.7 g of protein (above the 10-15% daily recommended intake in 62.1%), and a low fiber intake (< 21.0 g) in 97.1%. Saturated fat acids daily intake was high (> 7.0% the total recommended intake in 81.6%). In addition, a low intake of Vitamin E (91.2%), D (100%), A (67.96%) and calcium (97.08%), plus excessive sodium intake (29.1%) was also documented. Conclusion: The obesity of these low-income females was associated with a low median daily total energy intake, mildly elevated protein, elevated saturated fat acids, and low fiber intake. The inadequacies of food consumption are also reflected in a low intake of micronutrients, specially vitamins E and D. The low socioeconomic level of these subjects certainly represents the major factor for these findings.