Ultra-processed food intake and its association with obesity risk factors, Mediterranean diet, and nutrient intake of adults.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Growing awareness highlights ultra-processed food (UPF) as a risk factor for diet-related illnesses. UPF intake is reportedly linked to overweight and obesity statuses; however, this relationship remains unexplored in the Saudi population. In this study, we examined the association between UPF consumption and obesity indicators.

Methods

This study included 190 Saudi participants aged 18-25 years from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Dietary data from two 24-h recalls were classified using the NOVA system. Multiple linear and logistic regression models assessed associations between UPF intake (quartiles) and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, overweight status (BMI > 25 kg/m²) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥88 cm for fe

SUBMITTER: Alomari WD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12328165 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature