Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between macronutrient intake patterns and waist circumferences (WC). Data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2004) were analyzed for the percentage of calories consumed from carbohydrate, fat, protein, and fiber. Adults (N = 3763) were grouped as being below, within, or above the recommended macronutrient intake. Regression analysis evaluated the relationship between intake pattern grouping and WC. Four percent, 0.2%, 43%, and 64% were more than the recommended range for carbohydrate, protein, fat, and saturated fat, respectively. Total or saturated fat intake that were above recommendations and fiber and carbohydrate intake that were below recommendations related to having a larger WC. It appears that a focus on decreasing fat (specifically saturated fat) intake may be warranted in reducing weight-related health risks.