Ultra-processed food consumption is linked to quality of life and mental distress among university students.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations that typically contain little or no whole foods and are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Research indicates that higher intake of UPFs correlates with lower overall diet quality, which can exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This study aimed to assess the associations between UPF consumption with health-related quality of life, and mental distress in university students.

Method

This cross-sectional study consisted of 595 students resident in Samsun/Türkiye. The data were collected face-to-face with a questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the UPFs (% energy), health-related quality of life components and m

SUBMITTER: Ertas Ozturk Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12393073 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature