Refined grains intake in high fat, high protein, low carbohydrate and low energy levels subgroups and higher likelihood of abdominal obesity in Chinese population

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between refined grains intake and obesity in China. Refined grain intake was considered in relation to energy intake and at varied levels of macronutrient distribution. A cross-sectional study of 6913 participants was conducted using internet-based dietary questionnaire for Chinese (IDQC). The associations and dose–response relationships between refined grains intake and obesity were investigated using multivariable logistic regression analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models. There was a positive association between refined grains intake and abdominal obesity for all participants (forth quartile OR, 1.313; 95% CI, 1.103–1.760; p < .05) and this association persisted in low energy, low carbohydrate, high fat and high protein level subgroups. A range of favourable refined grains intake was 88–116 g/d (3–4 servings/d), which might decrease the likelihood of obesity for Chinese residents. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.