THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE INADEQUATE DIETARY HABIT AND THE METABOLIC-HEPATIC DYSFUNCTIONS IN ITALIAN OBESE PATIENTS

Background and aim: Few reports have focused on the dietary habit in Italian obese patients and the influence of inadequate nutrient intakes on metabolic and liver dysfunctions. The relationships between the nutrient intakes and the markers of metabolic and liver dysfunction were investigated in a rappresentative sample of obese patients. Material and methods: A total of 152 obese and severely obese patients (table) were investigated under their informed consent. Exclusion criteria: HBV+, HCV+, alcohol consumption >30 g/day, and steatogenic drugs. Anthropometric and laboratory data were collected at the admission; HOMA-IR values >2.5 indicate an insulin resistance (IR) and serum AST/ALT≥0.8 an increased risk of liver damage, as previously reported (Angulo P et al, 2007). Dietary habits were recorded by detailed questioning and a computed database determined the nutrient intakes. The recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for the Italian population were used for reference range. The statistical analysis was performed with PASW 18.0 software. Results: The values are expressed as 50th (25th, 75th) 95th percentile in the table. The comparisons with RDA show significant difference for at most all intakes, IR was observed in 67% and it was significantly related to an increased Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio intake (p<0.05). AST/ALT≥0.8 in 52% and it was significantly related to an increased intake of protein (p<0.03) and animal protein (p<0.02). Conclusions: Dietary habits with excessive intake of protein and especially animal protein were associated with an increased risk of liver damage. IR was observed in the majority of patients with unbalanced Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio in the diet, twice the RDA. The greater consumption of Omega-6 depends on the transitions from Mediterranean to Weastern eating habits, observed in the last two decades.