Macro partitioning
High intake of simple sugars increases the risk of metabolic syndrome regardless of weight change, whereas the risk associated with refined grains and total carbohydrates is modified by weight status.
Focus on reducing added sugars and simple sugars, as they increase metabolic syndrome risk independently of weight. Be mindful of refined grains, especially if you are gaining weight, as their risk is amplified in that context. Total carbohydrate quantity is less critical than the source.
Consumption of simple sugar, ≥ median intake, was positively associated with the risk of MetS, independent of weight change. ... However, in subjects with weight gain, consumption of refined grains, ≥ median intake, increased the risk of MetS by 47% (1.47, 1.08–2.01).
Why this rating
Prospective cohort study with long follow-up (8.9 years) and multivariable adjustment, though observational design limits causal inference.
Source
Effect of weight change on the association between overall and source of carbohydrate intake and risk of metabolic syndrome: Tehran lipid and glucose study
Somayeh Hosseinpour‐Niazi et al. · Nutrition & Metabolism · 2023
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