Abstract P418: Trans Fats Consumption Linked to Higher BMI

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that factors beyond calorie balance may affect fat deposition (consider environmental obesogens like bisphenol A). Trans fats are prooxidant, proinflammatory, have shown adverse metabolic effects and increased fat deposition in animals. Goal: To assess the relation of dietary trans fatty acid ( dTFA ) consumption to BMI in humans. Method: Subjects were 1018 adult men and women clinical trial screenees (age 20-85, without known diabetes, CVD, with screening LDL 115-190mg/dL). Height and weight were measured at screening and BMI calculated. The Fred Hutchinson Food Frequency Questionnaire provided data on dTFA (gm/d) and calories. Surveys elicited activity, and chocolate consumption (times/week, previously linked favorably in this sample to BMI). Mood (adversely linked to dTFA in this sample and in literature) was assessed by the CES-D (depression scale). Regression assessed the relation of BMI (outcome) to dTFA, unadjusted and in models adjusted for age and sex, calories and activity, chocolate consumption, and mood. Results: Higher dTFA was linked with higher BMI across adjustment models, with strong statistical significance. The coefficient was strengthened, not attenuated, when calories and activity were considered. Each additional gram/day of dTFAs was associated with around 0.4 points greater BMI. Discussion: These findings extend adverse metabolic associations of dTFA, and comport with evidence suggesting that composition of calories, as well as their number, has relevance to BMI.