(P17-065-25) Trends in Solid Fat and Oil Consumption and Their Association With Metabolic Syndrome Among U.S. Adults: A Trend Analysis of NHANES 2007–2018

Objectives: This study examines temporal trends in dietary fat consumption and its association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence among U.S. adults. We hypothesize that higher solid fat consumption is associated with increased MetS prevalence, while higher intake of fat from oils is associated with lower MetS prevalence.

Methods: We conducted a repeated cross-sectional analysis using 2007–2018 data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED). The sample included 11,720 non-pregnant adults aged ≥20 years, excluding individuals with implausible energy intakes or missing data. The intake of solid fats and oils was derived from 24-hour recalls. MetS was defined as having ≥3 of the following: elevated waist circumference, triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, or low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Multivariable regression models estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between dietary fat intakes and MetS prevalence and its individual components, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors.

Results: From 2007 to 2018, MetS prevalence increased from 24% to 28%. During this period, the mean intake of solid fats decreased from 40 to 37 g/day, while oil intake increased from 22 to 31 g/day, reflecting a dietary shift toward healthier fats. Higher solid fat intake was significantly associated with increased odds of MetS (OR= 1.20, CI:1.01–1.43), elevated waist circumference (OR = 1.35, CI:1.11–1.64), and elevated fasting glucose (OR=1.30, CI:1.06–1.59). Higher oil intake was not significantly associated with MetS (OR=0.87, CI:0.75–1.02), but was inversely associated with elevated triglycerides (OR=0.72, CI:0.61–0.84) and low HDL cholesterol (OR=0.86, CI:0.74–1.00).

Conclusions: Despite a dietary shift from solid fats to oils in alignment with dietary guidelines, MetS prevalence continues to rise, and higher solid fat intake is a significant risk factor for MetS. Further public health efforts are needed to address metabolic health beyond dietary fat intake.

Funding Sources: None