Determining the correlation between olive oil consumption, BMI, and waist circumference in the adult Saudi population

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to explore the correlation between dietary intake of olive oil, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 200 participants aged 20–30 years using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data was collected via a questionnaire, while dietary data was collected for two days using a 24-hour dietary recall. Anthropometric data such as BMI and WC were collected, and all the information was entered into the Diet Organizer software and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software for statistical analysis. The test results were assessed on the basis of a significance level of 95% ( p < 0.05). Results We did not find a significant difference in BMI and WC between high and low olive oil consumers. Carbohydrate intake was significantly higher among low olive oil consumers. Although high olive oil consumers had a significantly higher caloric intake, they had a similar BMI compared to low olive oil consumers. Conclusion This study provides baseline data on the intake of olive oil in a Saudi cohort aged 20–30 years. This study suggests that high olive oil intake may have a role in maintaining body weight.

High Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Obesity among Adults in Gulf Countries

“…Furthermore, only 33% and 42% of participants consumed optimal amounts from fruit and vegetables, respectively [ 33 ]. Another cross-sectional study conducted on 200 Saudi adults assessed olive oil consumption from 24-h recall and the average olive oil consumption was 19 g/day for men and 17 g/day for women, which equates to 1.2 and 1.1 table spoon, respectively [ 44 ]. Previous studies on adults from Saudi and Kuwaiti population confirmed low consumption from fruit and vegetables (below five serving per day) [ 45 , 46 ], while the Omani population showed adequate intake from fruit but not from vegetables [ 15 ].…”

Is There More to Olive Oil than Healthy Lipids?

“…The combined action of MUFA and polyphenol components on different metabolic pathways may contribute positively to control lipid metabolism, favor good glycemic control, and ensure good anti-inflammatory activity. Table 1 summarizes the main studies on the direct effect of OO intake on metabolic studies [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ].…”

“…Even though OO has shown a positive correlation with BMI and waist circumference, AlKhattaf et al (2020) did not identify such a relationship in a cross-sectional investigation using a Saudi adult cohort [ 26 ]. However, high OO consumers who had a significantly higher caloric intake, had a similar BMI compared to low OO consumers, indicating that OO consumption may play a role in body weight maintenance.…”

“…The fact that a high-fat MedDiet has no effect on body weight and waist circumference gives support to the idea that beneficial vegetable fats should not be reduced for body weight management [25]. Even though OO has shown a positive correlation with BMI and waist circumference, AlKhattaf et al (2020) did not identify such a relationship in a cross-sectional investigation using a Saudi adult cohort [26]. However, high OO consumers who had a significantly higher caloric intake, had a similar BMI compared to low OO consumers, indicating that OO consumption may play a role in body weight maintenance.…”

The Metabolic and Analytical Changes of Healthy Volunteers upon Intake of Portuguese Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Comparison Study between Pre- and Post-Intervention

“…Importantly, EVOO is also an important hallmark of the Mediterranean diet (MedD), known to have cardio-protection effects, in which its consumption is known to be inversely associated with the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease [13]. Additionally, the phenolic content of EVOO will affect cholesterol lipoproteins differently depending on its composition [5,14], such as serum lipid profiles, decreasing LDL-cholesterol, and increasing HDL-cholesterol [15], as well as modulating age-related HDL-cholesterol levels [16], all of which are important modifiable risk factors for CVD [17]. In addition, the consumption of EVOO was shown to improve postprandial glucose [18], lower the risk of diabetes, ameliorate metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers [19,20], and decrease gestational diabetes in pregnant women [21].…”