Gender and age-specific eating behaviour in urban populations at risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases: an observational cohort study

Background. Nonrational nutrition is among main risk factors of chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs) that can be contained via adopting and motivating population to a healthy diet by clarifying territorial, gender and age-specific eating behaviours.

Objectives. A study of urban gender and age-specific eating behaviours associated with universal and metabolic CNCD risk factors.

Methods. An observational cohort study has been conducted with 1,317 urban residents (657 men and 660 women) aged 18–74 years at Kuban State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, using anonymous surveys on food preferences, tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical activity (PA), as well as physical examination, anthropometry, electrocardiography (ECG) and biochemical blood tests.

Results. Urban residents revealed low-physical activity (PA) (88%), overweight and obesity (33%), high tobacco (65%) and alcohol use (39%) in men, high metabolic risk by waist/hip circumference (33.7%) and significant polymorbidity in hypertension (3 to 8 diseases per person). The urban dietary pattern can be described “intermediate” by the co-presence of rational and nonrational ingredients in diet. Rational ingredients prevailed in women and elderly people. Elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, uric acid, urea, creatinine and ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein in blood were associated with foods intake like chips and breadsticks, potatoes, sweet drinks, confectionery and borscht.

Conclusion. Adopting measures to rational nutrition in population may comprise a clear declaration of dysmetabolic nature of specific foods, eating behaviour monitoring and motivated self-control of body mass index and waist girth beyond medical check-ups.