Dietary patterns among patients with cardiometabolic diseases: findings from the QPHI-QBB data in Qatar

Purpose Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, are highly prevalent in Qatar. This study aimed to identify major dietary patterns among adults in the Qatar Biobank (QBB) cohort and examine their associations with anthropometric and biochemical markers of CMDs. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study included adults aged ≥ 18 years from the Qatar Precision Health Initiative (QPHI)-QBB data. Dietary intake was assessed using a culturally adapted food-frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was used to derive dietary patterns, and multivariable regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between identified dietary patterns and CMDs indicators. Findings Participants with CMDs had significantly higher visceral adiposity (p = 0.004), glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, CRP and insulin levels (all p < 0.001) compared to CMDs-Free individuals, despite similar sociodemographic characteristics. The fast food and meat-heavy pattern was positively associated with waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.01), waist size (p < 0.05), insulin (p < 0.05) and inversely with HDL (p < 0.05). The fruit and vegetable-based pattern showed no significant associations. The traditional rice and meat pattern was associated with HDL (p < 0.05) and vitamin D (p < 0.05). The dairy and bread-based pattern was associated with central adiposity (p < 0.05), while the dessert and snack pattern showed no significant associations. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic outcomes. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations and further investigate the role of dietary patterns in the development of CMDs in Middle Eastern populations. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of promoting healthier dietary patterns, particularly increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, while reducing fast food and energy-dense dietary habits. These insights may inform nutrition interventions and public health strategies to reduce CMD risk in Qatar. Originality/value This study provides valuable evidence on culturally relevant dietary patterns and their associations with cardiometabolic health in Qatar using QBB data. The findings contribute to the limited literature on dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk in Middle Eastern populations and may inform region-specific dietary guidelines and preventive health policies.