South A sian dietary patterns and their association with risk factors for the metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: Certain dietary patterns have been associated with higher risk of noncommunicable diseases, with South Asians identified as a high-risk group. The present study aimed to identify the association between dietary patterns and the metabolic syndrome (MS) in South Asians living in the UK. METHODS: Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis from 15 different food groups using an ethnic-specific food frequency questionnaire. MS risk factors, including obesity and hypertension, were measured, whereas existing conditions of dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia were self-reported. Participants (n = 100) were divided into quartiles based on dietary factor scores and the link between dietary patterns and risk factors was investigated. RESULTS: Three different patterns were derived, which together explained 46% of the total diet variation; eastern pattern, mixed pattern and western pattern. An inverse correlation was found between the eastern pattern and education P = 0.05). A direct correlation was found between the western pattern and physical activity (P = 0.05) and the overall risk of MS (P = 0.05). Body composition was altered as residence time in the UK increased, with a reduction in muscle mass (29-26%) and an increase in body fat (31-37%). Diagnosis criteria for MS were found in 20% of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary acculturation, including a reduction in vegetarianism, an increased intake of caffeinated drinks and altered meal patterns, may be associated with the higher prevalence of MS in migrant South Asians in the UK.