The increased frequency of hypercholesterolemia in southern Italy is induced only by changing diet quality?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate cholesterolemia and triglyceridemia in relation to BMI, alimentary habits and physical activity.

DESIGN

We compare our epidemiological data with those obtained in other studies previously carried out in Campania: "CNR-ATS-RF2-OB43".

SETTING

Campania (Italy).

RESULTS

Data show an increase of these risk factors in Southern Italy from 1978 to 1989. In males, between 20 and 59 years the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia increases from 15.9% in 1978-1979 (CNR-RF2) to 17.8% in 1983-1984 (ATS-OB43), and 20.6% in our own data (1988-1990). The pattern is similar for females: 14.4% (1978-79), 16.7% (1983-1984), and 18.6% (1988-1990). In males hypertriglyceridemia increases from 17% in 1978-1979, to 21.3% in 1983-1984 and 36.2% in 1988-1990. In females from 9.8% to 12.4% and 18% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This reality can be explained through the gradual changing of alimentary habits (high consumption of saturated fats and very little intake of vegetal fibres) and by reduced physical activity that contributes to the progressive BMI increase.