The relationship between ultra-processed food intake and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese women: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. Based on recent studies, one of the factors that can have detrimental effects on CVD is the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The current study investigated the relationship between UPF intake and cardiometabolic risk factors among Iranian women.MethodsThe current cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 women aged 18–65 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2. Dietary intake was assessed using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric and biochemistry parameters were also collected. UPFs were identified using the NOVA classification.ResultsIn the present study, women had a mean (standard deviation) age of 36.67 (9.10) years and the mean BMI of 31.26 (4.29) kg/m2. According to our findings, there was a significant association between UPF consumption and transforming growth factor (TGF) (β: 0.101, 95% CI: 0.023, 0.180, p = 0.012), atherogenic coefficient (AC) (β: 0.011, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.032, p = 0.034), visceral fat level (VFL) (β: 0.006, 95% CI: −0.017, 0.029, p = 0.076), and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (β: −3.775, 95%CI: 0.001, 0.001, p = 0.042).ConclusionIn conclusion, an increase in consumption of one gram of UPFs is associated with an increase in TGF, AC, and VFL but with a decrease in QUICKI. Despite this, further experimental studies are necessary to draw a more definite conclusion and disentangle the mechanisms by which UPFs may affect health.