Total Energy Intake and Frequency of Food Consumption in Relation to Body Mass Index of Adult Population in Nigeria

Animals compare their diets from a wide range of potential foods. They exhibit some levels of orosensory biases such as attraction to sweet (sugars), flavours (fat). They tend to avoid bitter. This study aimed at assessing the total energy intake and frequency of food consumption, as it influenced the Body Mass Index of adults (aged 20-64 yrs) population in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional one that focused on information on total energy intake via 24h dietary recall of the respondents, to determine the caloric intake (kcal/d) using the cut-off mark of Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). The food frequency was obtained on daily and weekly based on choices of the food groups consumption; and Body Mass Index (BMI) kg/m2 using cut-off ≥ 30 kg/m2. . The results were compared with the RDA for energy, which showed an association between the frequency of consumption of high caloric food groups and the changes in the BMI of the respondents both males and females. The incident of obesity based on frequency of consumption of the high caloric foods is a reflection of the type of staple foods being consumed in this region of the world, in comparison with what applies in the western world or developed world. The underlying food preferences and choices were due to taste and cost of the food groups, but improvement in incomes and wages can also increase obesity pandemic in the direction of nutrition transition been observed in all developed countries. Thus, calling for more nutrition education and awareness in this regard