DIETARY FAT INTAKE AMONG NORMAL AND OVERWEIGHT YOUNG ADULT FEMALES IN KUANTAN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Malaysian young adult females are highly vulnerable to become overweight because of many factors that can lead to high intake of dietary fat in their daily lives. However, insufficient researches in Malaysia have indicated a strong link of dietary fat with body weight as much as carbohydrate does. Aim: The main objective is to assess the differences on dietary fat intake between normal and overweight young adult females in Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A total of 60 participants aged between 18 and 35-year-old were recruited (n = 30 for normal weight group, n = 30 for overweight group). The dietary intake data was collected by using diet history method. Diet analysis was conducted using Nutritionist Pro™. Statistically significant result was set at p < 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences between overweight and normal young adult females regarding their energy, total fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat intakes. No significant associations were detected between dietary fat intake and BMI of the young adult.  Conclusions: Dietary fat is not the main contributor of body weight status in this population. However, strategies to inculcate healthy dietary intake in this population need to be planned accordingly.

KEYWORDS:  Fat intake, Normal young adults, Overweight young adults