Influence of Diet Inflammatory Index (DII) on Body composition and Distribution of Body Fat in First Year College Students

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between the Diet Inflammatory Index (DII) and various anthropometric measurements within a sample of first-year university students. Data were collected from 75 participants and included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage, visceral fat mass, visceral fat volume (VAT), and lean muscle mass. DII scores were calculated and served as an indicator of dietary inflammatory potential. Various statistical analyses, including correlation, t-tests, analysis of covariance, and a partial correlation, were performed to examine the relationships between the variables. While no significant associations were observed between DII and BMI or WC, notable positive correlations were identified between DII and total tissue fat percentage, VAT Fat Mass, and VAT Volume. These findings suggest that a pro-inflammatory diet may be linked to higher body fat levels and decreased lean muscle mass. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was identified between WC and VAT parameters, highlighting the potential utility of WC as a predictor of visceral fat levels. Overall, the results emphasized the potential health implications of a pro-inflammatory diet among first-year college students, who may be susceptible to increased body fat and reduced lean muscle mass.