Consumption of Dairy Fat Products and Their Association with Chronic and Cardiovascular Diseases Among Saudi Adults: Insights from a National Cross-Sectional Survey

Dairy fat consumption remains controversial regarding its role in chronic disease development. Our study evaluated consumption patterns, health awareness, and associations between dairy fat intake and obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases among Saudi adults.

This cross-sectional study investigated the consumption patterns of dairy fat products (ghee, butter, and cream), health awareness, and their associations with chronic diseases among 498 Saudi adults. Results demonstrated that ghee was the most commonly consumed dairy fat and was significantly associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases, whereas butter and cream showed no significant associations. Approximately 62% of participants were aware of potential health risks; however, frequent consumers exhibited lower awareness levels. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional education and further prospective studies to clarify causal relationships.