Meal habits and metabolic status in Southern Italian adults

BACKGROUND: Recently eating habits, such as breakfast, snaking, and out-of-home meals, have been shown to influence metabolic health of general population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the association between meal habits and metabolic status in Southern Italian adults. METHODS: Data from the Mediterranean healthy Eating, Aging and Lifestyle study was used, including a total of 1952 subjects. RESULTS: Individuals having type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemias, and hypertension were more likely to adhere to a diet characterized by skipping breakfast, having unhealthy snacks and having out-of-home meals. Having breakfast was associated with higher odds of having dyslipidemias (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.23); having snacks was associated with higher odds of being obese (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.42, 3.09); and having out-of-home meals was associated with higher odds of having dyslipidemias (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.32) and hypertension (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.21). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that eating habits may be associated with metabolic status in adults living in the Mediterranean area.