From the Guidelines
Consuming saturated fatty acids can contribute to central obesity, as reducing saturated fat intake has been associated with a lower risk of CVD events and all-cause death, and a recent guideline recommends lowering saturated fatty acids to <6% of total caloric intake for patients at higher CVD risk. When examining the relationship between saturated fatty acids and central obesity, it's essential to consider the overall dietary pattern and lifestyle habits.
- A healthy plant-based or Mediterranean-based diet, which reduces saturated fat and optimizes caloric intake, can help support weight loss goals and improve CVD risk factors, including lower BP and improved insulin sensitivity 1.
- Higher dietary fiber intake, often found in these diets, is associated with a lower risk of CVD events and all-cause death in patients with chronic coronary disease 1.
- A meta-analysis of prospective cohorts and randomized clinical trials supports a dose-response relationship between higher quality carbohydrate intake and lower CVD-related morbidity and mortality rates, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet 1.
- Reducing saturated fatty acids and replacing them with healthier fats and carbohydrates can lower LDL-C, which is associated with lower CVD morbidity and mortality rates, and a recent Cochrane review found a 17% reduction of CVD events in patients with chronic coronary disease who reduced saturated fat intake 1. To manage body fat, including in the abdominal area, it's crucial to focus on a balanced diet with moderate portions of all fats, emphasizing unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and avocados, combined with regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management.
From the Research
Saturated Fatty Acids and Central Obesity
- The relationship between saturated fatty acids and central obesity is complex, with various studies providing insights into the potential link between the two 2, 3.
- A scoping review of dietary guidelines found that most guidelines recommend reducing saturated fat intake to below 10% of total energy intake and replacing it with polyunsaturated fats 2.
- Some studies suggest that reducing saturated fat intake may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is often associated with central obesity 3.
- However, the evidence on the direct relationship between saturated fatty acids and central obesity is limited, with most studies focusing on the broader topic of obesity and weight loss 4, 5, 6.
- Orlistat, a drug that inhibits fat absorption, has been shown to be effective in reducing weight and improving cardiovascular risk factors, including waist circumference, in obese patients 4, 5, 6.
Key Findings
- Reducing saturated fat intake to below 10% of total energy intake may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease 2, 3.
- Replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease 2, 3.
- Orlistat, a drug that inhibits fat absorption, may be effective in reducing weight and improving cardiovascular risk factors, including waist circumference, in obese patients 4, 5, 6.