Relation of Minimally Processed Foods and Ultra-Processed Foods with the Mediterranean Diet Score, Time-Related Meal Patterns and Waist Circumference: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in University Students

Abstract

Ultra-processed foods are associated with chronic diseases, cardiometabolic factors and obesity. According to the NOVA system, foods are classified into four categories (from 1 = unprocessed to 4 = ultra-processed foods). The purpose of the present study was to assess the consumption of minimally processed foods (MPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) in university students and their relationship with obesity, Mediterranean diet adherence and meal patterns. In total, 346 students (269 women) of the University of Peloponnese participated. A food frequency questionnaire was used, and the MedDietScore was calculated. The % energy contribution of MPF and UPF was calculated. The identification of meal patterns was performed via principal component analysis. Both multivariate regression and Spearman’s correlations were used to measure the association of UPF/MPF consumption with anthropometric indices (body mass index, BMI and waist circumference, WC), Mediterranean diet adherence and early/late meal patterns. UPF and MPF provided 40.7 ± 13.6% and 44.3 ± 11.9% (mean ± standard deviation) of energy intake, respectively. In multi-adjusted linear regression models UPF consumption (% energy) was positively associated with WC in men but it was not related to BMI (total sample, men, women). UPF consumption was negatively related to the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = −0.214, p < 0.001) and an “early eating” pattern (Spearman rho = −0.120, p = 0.029) and positively associated with a “late eating” meal pattern (Spearman rho = 0.190, p = 0.001). MPF consumption was positively associated with the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = 0.309, p < 0.001) and an “early eating” pattern (Spearman rho = 0.240, p < 0.001). In conclusion, UPF consumption was positively related to WC in male university students. Nutritional and sociodemographic correlates of UPF consumption, such as low Mediterranean diet adherence and having a “late eating” pattern serve as a basis to better understand the UPF consumption-central obesity relation in young adults and should be considered in nutrition education programs for young adults.

Food Compass Score predicts incident cardiovascular disease: The ATTICA cohort study (2002–2022)

“…15 Going to the bottom characteristics of FCS, it is evident that the components of the FCS, such as macronutrients (unsaturated to saturated fat ratio, fiber to carbohydrate ratio, protein, and specific lipids), vitamins, minerals (including selenium) and phytochemicals, as well as additives and degree of food procession, are related to inflammation, and consequently to CVD 10,26,27 or related cardiometabolic diseases. 28 Antioxidant vitamins C and E, carotenoids, micronutrients, and polyphenols, which are also constructive elements of the FCS, have been shown to modulate oxidative stress 29,30 and inhibit platelet activating factor, 31 which is a potent mediator of inflammation. 32 Methyl donors, such as choline and B-vitamins reduce homocysteine concentration 33 and possibly have an anti-inflammatory activity, 34 which may further explain the association of FCS with CVD risk.…”

“…In this context, we have also previously shown an inverse relationship of FCS to various inflammatory markers related to atherosclerotic disease 15 . Going to the bottom characteristics of FCS, it is evident that the components of the FCS, such as macronutrients (unsaturated to saturated fat ratio, fiber to carbohydrate ratio, protein, and specific lipids), vitamins, minerals (including selenium) and phytochemicals, as well as additives and degree of food procession, are related to inflammation, and consequently to CVD 10,26,27 or related cardiometabolic diseases 28 . Antioxidant vitamins C and E, carotenoids, micronutrients, and polyphenols, which are also constructive elements of the FCS, have been shown to modulate oxidative stress 29,30 and inhibit platelet activating factor, 31 which is a potent mediator of inflammation 32 .…”

Assessing the Impact of Religion and College Life on Consumption Patterns of Ultra-Processed Foods by Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In this line, lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been reported in university students consuming these ultra-processed foods [ 13 ]. In particular, higher levels of blood pressure (BP) [ 14 ] and of waist circumference [ 13 ] were observed among male university students consuming this type of product.…”

“…These characteristics of foods may favour the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type-2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer [12]. In this line, lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been reported in university students consuming these ultra-processed foods [13]. In particular, higher levels of blood pressure (BP) [14] and of waist circumference [13] were observed among male university students consuming this type of product.…”

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and low dietary diversity are associated with sedentary and unhealthy eating behaviors: A nationwide study with Brazilian Schoolchildren

“…So far, no comprehensive national studies have examined food consumption, eating and sedentary behaviors among schoolchildren or their interconnectedness. The association between food consumption and behaviors has already been evaluated in other audiences, such as adults [13,14], adolescents [15][16][17][18][19], university students [20], pregnant women [21], and early childhood children [22][23][24]. Consequently, our study aims to fill this gap by investigating the association between food consumption-emphasizing on the consumption of ultra-processed foods and dietary diversity-and sedentary and eating behaviors among Brazilian schoolchildren.…”