Major dietary patterns, general and central adiposity among female teachers in Tehran

The current study was performed to identify the association between major dietary patterns, general and central adiposity among female teachers in Tehran. In this cross-sectional study, 486 female teachers aged 40-60 years were selected by multistage cluster random sampling method in Tehran. Usual dietary intakes were evaluated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire during the past year. Weight and height were measured according to standard protocols. General obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ³ 30 kg/m2 and central adiposity as waist circumference > 88 cm. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. By the use of factor analysis, three major dietary patterns were extracted: healthy dietary pattern, western dietary pattern and traditional dietary pattern. Individuals in the upper category of healthy pattern score were less likely to be generally (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.53) and centrally obese (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.16-0.55), while those in the upper quintile of western pattern had greater odds (for general obesity: OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.46-5.08 and for central obesity: OR: 5.74; 95% CI: 2.99-10.99). Controlling for potential confounders attenuated the associations, but even after adjustment for energy intake the associations were significant for both general and central obesity. Although no significant associations were found between traditional dietary pattern and general obesity, those in the third quintile had greater odds of being centrally obese, either before (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.18-3.90) or after (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.09-3.65) control for confounders. This study indicates significant associations between major dietary patterns, general and central adiposity among female teachers in Tehran. Further prospective investigations are required to confirm such associations.