Eating habits, physical activity and health: A cross-sectional study in two regions: Bretagne and Pays-de-Loire

Nutrition is a public health priority in France. The aim of this study was to assess associations between eating habits and health, in the population examined in health examination centers of the French General Insurance System, in Bretagne and Pays-de-Loire. A sample of 11 383 people answered a diet questionnaire sponsored by the National Nutrition and Health Program (2004). Statistically significant associations between lack of physical activity, food inadequacy and poor health (obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, high triglyceride level) were observed. High consumption of bread or starchy food and high consumption of alcohol were associated with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases and with higher risks of dental caries. Relations differed between men and women: skipping breakfast or unsteady breakfast (men) and high consumption of fruits/juice and snacking (women) were associated with higher risk of poor health. Health examination centers, which provide preventive examinations, contribute to relay nutritional information or recommendations and to provide support to solve nutritional problems, especially for the most disadvantaged people. (C) 2009 Societe francaise de nutrition. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.