Glycemic index and glycemic load in relation to changes in body weight, body fat distribution, and body composition in adult Danes

Abstract

High-GI diets may lead to increases in BW, body fat mass, and WC in women, especially in sedentary women, which suggests that physical activity may protect against diet-induced weight gain. No associations with GI were observed in men, which suggests sex differences in the association between GI and obesity development.

Dietary glycaemic index, glycaemic load and subsequent changes of weight and waist circumference in European men and women

“…In our current study, a 10-unit GI difference was associated with a waist circumference change of 0.19 cm per year or 0.26 cm per year, depending on the adjustment strategies applied. Although weaker when compared with earlier observations, 16 this association was independent of weight change because GI was not in an overall association with weight change. Increase in waist circumference independent of weight change indicates an accumulation of visceral fat, which has been found to be strongly associated with insulin resistance, and thus the risk of type 2 diabetes and CVDs.…”

“…[9][10][11] Few long-term cohort studies among free-living populations have been conducted to explore associations between GI or GL and weight change. 15,16 In these two cohort studies, a positive association between GI, but not GL, and weight change has been observed, at least in subgroups. 16 Compared with our study, these studies were much smaller in sample size, were conducted among a more homogeneous population and had measured weight data.…”

“…15,16 In these two cohort studies, a positive association between GI, but not GL, and weight change has been observed, at least in subgroups. 16 Compared with our study, these studies were much smaller in sample size, were conducted among a more homogeneous population and had measured weight data. In our study, however, weight was partly self-reported in four out of six of the study centres.…”

“…In a Danish population, Hare-Bruun et al 16 have observed a marginally positive association between GI and waist circumference change in women (a 10-unit GI difference was associated with a 2 cm waist circumference enlargement in 6 years), but not in men. However, this association was not independent of weight change because GI was also positively and significantly associated with weight change.…”

“…During the 6-year follow-up, women who had a 10-unit higher in GI gained 1.3 kg more weight and 2 cm more waist circumference than did those with lower GI. 16 This prospective cohort study was conducted with the objective of examining the association of dietary GI and GL with subsequent changes of weight and waist circumference. With data from five European countries, this study also provided a good opportunity to test the robustness of findings across populations.…”