# Energy-Dense and Low-Fiber Dietary Pattern May Be a Key Contributor to the Rising Obesity Rates in Brazil

## TL;DR

A diet high in energy-dense foods and low in fiber is linked to rising obesity rates in Brazil, especially among older urban adults with higher income.

## Contribution

This study identifies a novel dietary pattern (energy-dense and low-fiber) associated with obesity risk in Brazilian adults using hybrid statistical methods.

## Key findings

- The energy-dense and low-fiber dietary pattern includes foods like fast food and sugary drinks while excluding fruits and vegetables.
- Higher adherence to this pattern is observed in older urban adults with higher income and frequent snacking habits.
- This dietary pattern may be a key driver of increasing obesity rates in Brazil.

## Abstract

Hybrid methods are a suitable option for extracting dietary patterns associated with health outcomes. This study aimed to identify the dietary patterns of Brazilian adults (20–59 years old; n = 28,153) related to dietary components associated with the risk of obesity. Data from the 2017–2018 Brazilian National Dietary Survey were analyzed. Food consumption was obtained through 24 h recall. Dietary patterns were extracted using partial least squares regression, using energy density (ED), percentage of total fat (%TF), and fiber density (FD) as response variables. In addition, 32 food groups were established as predictor variables in the model. The first dietary pattern, named as energy-dense and low-fiber (ED-LF), included with the positive factor loadings solid fats, breads, added-sugar beverages, fast foods, sauces, pasta, and cheeses, and negative factor loadings rice, beans, vegetables, water, and fruits (≥|0.15|). Higher adherence to the ED-LF dietary pattern was observed for individuals >40 years old from urban areas, in the highest income level, who were not on a diet, reported away-from-home food consumption, and having ≥1 snack/day. The dietary pattern characterized by a low intake of fruits, vegetables, and staple foods and a high intake of fast foods and sugar-sweetened beverages may contribute to the obesity scenario in Brazil.