Payesh (Jan 2008)
Does greater meal frequency decrease the levels of risk factors for non-communicable diseases?
Abstract
Objective(s): To study the association between the frequency of meals and the levels of non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factors. Methods: The sample comprised 592 people (275 men, 317 women) aged 19-50 years, selected randomly from the pool of participants in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Eating patterns were assessed and the number of meals in a day recorded using two-day 24-hour recall questionnaires. We divided the sample into four subgroups: Group l comprised subjects taking less than 6 meals per day. Group 2 included those taking 6-7 meals per day, the third had 8-9 meals per day, and Group 4 took more than 9 meals per day. Blood lipids were measured after 12-14 hours of fasting; anthropometric indices and blood pressure were also recorded. Results: The four groups were composed of 190, 135, 185, and 82 individuals respectively. The risk of having high total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol was found to decrease with greater meal frequency. No significant difference was observed in the intake of macronutrients. The intake of fibers was greater in the fourth group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The study shows that increasing meal frequency may decrease the risk of NCDs. Considering the high prevalence of these disorders, changes in eating habits seem necessary.
