Relationship between adiposity and food intake: an example of pseudo-contradictory results obtained in case-control versus between-populations studies.

Seemingly contradictory data support controversies concerning the relationships between food intake and illnesses. The present study of 1035 adults, aged 30-39 years, shows that (1) daily energy intake is not higher in obese than in non-obese people, (2) obesity is more prevalent in social groups where energy intake is higher. These pseudo-contradictory results can be reconciled on the basis of a constitution/environment interaction.