FOOD PATTERNS IN PEOPLE WITH OBESITY

Aim: The objective of the study was to examine dietary patterns in patients with obesity. Material and methods: We evaluated a group of 71 subjects with excess weight, who completed a validated food frequency questionnaire. Analyzing the results of the questionnaire, we were able to determine the average daily food intake. We applied the factor analysis and the cluster analysis on the results obtained from the questionnaire in order to identify the food patterns. We calculated correlation coefficients between pattern scores and clinical and biological parameters. Results: Three patterns derived from the analysis of the questionnaire: a traditional pattern characterized by increased intake of soups, sauces, and medium intake of food groups from prudent pattern; a prudent pattern, characterized by high intake of cereals, fats/oils, fish, meat, potatoes, vegetables, medium intake of nonalcoholic beverages, eggs, with low intake of sugar, snacks, alcohol; and a western-like pattern, which included an increased intake of sweets/snacks/alcohol and low intake of food groups from traditional pattern. Men had the tendency to adopt more frequently the traditional pattern, than women. Conclusions: In the study group, we identified three food patterns which could help in analyzing food intake in patients with obesity and in promoting a healthy lifestyle.