A Finnish study has linked the amount of sodium, or table salt, consumed in the diet to an increased risk of obesity, particularly abdominal obesity.
Researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare urged actions to reduce salt consumption at both the individual and food industry levels, in order to decrease the risks of obesity and related health problems. The findings are set to be presented at the European Obesity Conference, which will be held in Málaga, Spain, from May 11 to 14.
Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is a common health problem that increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Visceral fat accumulates in the abdominal area, affecting the internal organs' functions, increasing insulin resistance, and causing chronic inflammation.
To reduce abdominal obesity, it is recommended to follow a balanced diet rich in protein and fiber, with reduced sugars, saturated fats, and salt, in addition to regular physical exercise.
The study was based on data from the Finnish National Health Survey 2017, which included 2,222 men and 2,792 women aged 18 and above. Sodium consumption was estimated through a validated dietary questionnaire, and urine samples from a subset of participants (558 men and 702 women) were analyzed to measure sodium concentration in urine. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were used to assess general obesity and abdominal obesity.
The researchers found that the average sodium intake exceeded the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization (5 grams per day) in all groups. The highest sodium consumption group had an average intake of more than 12 grams of salt per day for men and 9 grams for women, more than twice the globally recommended limit.
The results showed that women in the highest sodium consumption group were 4.3 times more likely to have general obesity and 3.4 times more likely to have abdominal obesity compared to women in the lowest group. When measuring sodium in urine, the risk of obesity increased by 4.8 times, further validating the reliability of the dietary questionnaire estimates.
For men, the data showed an increased risk of obesity with higher sodium consumption, although it was not statistically significant. However, when analyzing sodium concentration in urine, men in the highest consumption group were 6 times more likely to suffer from general obesity and 4.7 times more likely to have abdominal obesity compared to those in the lowest group.
The researchers believe that the stronger effect of salt in men may be due to their higher consumption of sodium-rich foods, such as processed meats, baked goods, and cheese. They call for reducing salt in commonly consumed foods, especially those eaten daily by the population, whether at home, in restaurants, or in ready-made meals.
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