Alcohol consumption is associated with DXA measurement of adiposity: the Pró-Saúde Study, Brazil.

PURPOSE

Evaluate the association between alcohol consumption and body adiposity.

METHODS

We analyzed cross-sectional data from a longitudinal investigation (Pró-Saúde Study), comprising a sample of 514 civil servants of both sexes (35-64 years). Daily alcohol consumption (wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks) over the previous 6 months was assessed via food frequency questionnaire and categorized as no doses, up to 1 dose, and ≥1 dose. The total body mass, total fat mass (TFM), android fat mass (AFM), and gynoid fat mass (GFM) were measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. AFM (AFM%) and GFM (GFM%) were expressed as percentages relative to TFM. The ratio of AFM% and GFM% was calculated. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed after adjusting for age, calories not originating from alcohol, leisure-time physical activity and education.

RESULTS

Among nondrinkers, 59 % were women, and the age range between 45 and 54 years was predominant (44.3 %); 63.7 % of the nondrinkers were overweight/obese. Among drinkers of 1 dose or more/day, 67 % were males aged between 45 and 54 years (43.7 %); 69.1 % were overweight/obese. Among men, the daily consumption of ≥1 alcohol dose (13 g) was associated with an approximately 2 % (β = 2.2, IC = 0.077; 4.303) adjusted for age, calories not originated from alcohol, leisure-time physical activity and education, increase in TFM, compared to those who reported no alcohol consumption during the previous 6 months. This association was not observed among women. In both sexes, no associations were observed between alcohol consumption and the other evaluated parameters of adiposity.

CONCLUSION

Among men only, daily consumption of ≥1 alcohol dose was associated with increased adiposity, despite the relatively low average alcohol consumption in this study population.