Abstract:
Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a leading cause of lower back pain, affecting the
quality of life and work productivity. Various factors, including mechanical strain, genetic
predisposition, and metabolic disorders, contribute to LDH. Recent research highlights the
potential role of dietary habits in the progression of LDH. Central obesity is characterised by
increased waist circumference (WC) and increased waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), which may
exacerbate spinal stress and inflammation, increasing the risk for LDH.
Objectives: To examine the role of dietary patterns and the association of central obesity on LDH
Methods: A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire assessed the dietary patterns, WC,
and WHR of 18 individuals undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy for LDH in a selected hospital in
Colombo. Consumption frequency of different food categories was recorded. Frequency
consumption of different food was categorized depending on the number of times it was consumed
compared to the recommended levels. WC and hip circumference were recorded and WHR was
calculated for each individual and compared with the ranges. WC ≥90 cm for males and ≥80 cm
for females, according to the overweight and obesity guideline (Sri Lanka) and WHR >0.90 for
males and >0.85 for females, according to WHO, were considered obese. Categorical variables
were presented as absolute frequencies and percentages, using SPSS version 21.0.
Results: Of the study population n=6 (33.3%) were females and 66.6% were males with a
mean±SD age of 38.3 ± 13.6 years. Most participants (n=10) favored home-cooked meals for
every meal of the day. Rare consumption (<2 meals per week) was observed for quick-service
restaurant (QSR) food (n=11) and restaurant food (n=9). Processed foods was consumed rarely
with daily sugary food consumption was reported in n=4. Rice was a staple for 50% of the
population. Moderate consumption of meat (n=7) and fish (n=11) were observed. Low intake of
fruits (n=12; <5 times per week) and dairy (n=16; 1-2 cups per week) was noted. Daily water
consumption mainly fell below the recommended levels, 2.5-3.7 liters per day, for n=11.
Anthropometric analysis revealed increased WC in 66.7% of females and 50% of males, with
elevated WHR in 50% of both genders.
Conclusion: Findings indicate a low daily water consumption in the subjects. The observed higher
percentage of central obesity highlights its potential role as a contributing factor in LDH
