The Association between Dietary Inflammatory and Obesity Indices in University Students in Tehran

Narges  Khamoush Cheshm; Asal Ataie-Jafari; Shahryar Eghtesadi; Aniseh Nikravan; Nitin Shivappa; James R. Hebert

doi:10.18502/jnfs.v8i1.11766

Narges Khamoush Cheshm Department of Nutrition, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Asal Ataie-Jafari Department of Nutrition, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Shahryar Eghtesadi Department of Nutrition, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Aniseh Nikravan Department of Health Services Administration, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Nitin Shivappa Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
James R. Hebert Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v8i1.11766

Keywords: Dietary inflammatory index; Obesity indices; Fat mass; Anthropometric; Body mass index

Abstract

Background: Obesity as a major cause of low-grade chronic inflammation is a global public health issue. Inflammation arising from obesity affects organs, such as kidney and liver, and is associated with chronic diseases. The present study aims to investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and obesity indices in university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 361 college students selected using a two-stage cluster random sampling. The inclusion criteria were healthy girls and boys in the 18-35 years age group, and the exclusion criteria included the presence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, taking supplements to weight loss or weight gain, and using alcohol and tobacco. DII scores were calculated from dietary data collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric measurements were taken, and body composition was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: The mean age of the students was 21.94 ± 4.04 years, 53.2% were female, and the mean DII was 1.26 ± 1.08. Among the participants, 36.8% were overweight and obese and 9.1% suffered from abdominal obesity. The DII score was not associated with body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat, waist circumference or visceral fat (both unadjusted and after adjustment for covariates). Conclusion: The present study showed no association between the DII and obesity indices. Given the proven effects of both the DII and obesity on health indicators, it would be a good strategy to conduct studies with prospective designs to determine the exact effects of DII on obesity indicators.