The Relationship between Snacking and Risk of Individual Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Normal-weight Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Developing obesity-related metabolic disturbances in spite of having normal weight is increasing in normal-weight people worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between different types of snacking and risk of individual components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in normal-weight adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a randomized sample of 328 normal-weight individuals (18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m2) older than 20 years in Ahvaz, Iran. Anthropometric indices, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured. MetS components were chosen based on the definition of international diabetes federation (IDF). Dietary intake was evaluated by a validated 50-item non-quantitative FFQ. Snacks were defined as energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods as well as low energy-dense and high-fiber foods. Results: Males had significantly higher rates of elevated FBG and triglyceride (TG), whereas higher rates of abdominal obesity and low HDL-c were observed in females. Older participants with lower education showed higher percentages in most of the MetS' components. The occurrence of abdominal obesity and hypertension increased in the third compared to the first tertile category of supermarket cakes and biscuits (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.02 – 1.49) and chocolate (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03-1.18), respectively. However, other snacks showed no significant relationship. Conclusions: The consumption of unhealthy snacks with high fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates in forms of supermarket cakes and biscuits as well as low-flavanol content chocolate products are  the major dietary snacking habits contributing to abdominal obesity and hypertension in normal-weight adults in southwest of Iran.