Relationship of diet, abdominal obesity, and physical activity to plasma lipoprotein levels in Asian Indian physicians residing in the United States

Objective: To examine the relationship of total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate and energy intake, leisure-time activity, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index to the prevalence of atherogenic plasma triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in Asian Indians living in the United States. High plasma TG and low HDL-C levels have been documented in Asian Indians worldwide. Design: This exploratory study examined medical history, demographics, anthropometrics, plasma lipids levels, food intake frequency, and self-reported leisure-time activity. Subjects: 153 Asian Indian male physicians (mean age=47 years) were recruited at two annual national conferences of the American Association of Physicians from India, with free medical assessment as incentives. Statistical analyses performed: Correlational and multiple regression analysis were performed. Results: Subjects' diets averaged 56% energy from carbohydrate, 32% from total fat, and 8% from saturated fat. High total fat intake was associated with high WHR (r=.21, P<.01) and high total carbohydrate intake (grams per day) was associated with high TG level (r=.24, P<.05). Leisure-time activity averaged 136 minutes/week and negatively correlated with total plasma cholesterol level (r=-.22, P<.01) and low- density lipoprotein cholesterol level (r=-.25, P<.001). Applications: Dietitians should recommend moderate dietary carbohydrate intake and meal patterns with energy distributed throughout the day, in addition to decreasing fat consumption, to Asian Indian clients at risk for coronary artery disease. High carbohydrate intake and uneven diurnal distribution (no breakfast and large evening meals) are associated with high TG and low HDL-C levels in this population.