This retrospective study investigated the relationship between daily urinary free cortisol excretion rate (as a marker of cortisol production rate) and daily caloric intake, food choice, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. One hundred twenty-seven overweight/obese women and 21 normal-weight subjects were enrolled in the study. Cortisol excretion rate was assessed using a 24-hour urine collection (UFC/24 h). In obese patients, the daily caloric intake was calculated, and a weekly food-frequency questionnaire was assessed. Results revealed that obese women had significantly higher UFC/24 h than the normal-weight women (P < 0.001). The obese subjects had an unbalanced diet, particularly rich in saturated lipids, and weekly food choice showed a preference for highly caloric foods. UFC/24 h values and waist circumference were significantly correlated (P < 0.001), regardless of BMI. In the obese group, the UFC/24 h values were also significantly and positively correlated to daily carbohydrate and lipid intake and to weekly starchy food consumption even after adjustment for BMI. This study demonstrated a significant association between higher UFC/24 h and energy intake, fats, and consumption of starchy foods, and that these relations were independent of BMI. Nutrition. 2011 Jun;27(6):677-80. PMID: 20934852.
