Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Among College Students and Their Association With Body Composition, Bowel Movements and Menstrual Cycle.

Abstract

Objectives: The current research aimed to explore the association of ultra-processed food consumption among college students with body composition, bowel movements, and menstrual irregularities with a focus on females.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Pune, India among 110 university students of both genders aged 18-25 years. A developed and validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) based on the NOVA classification was used to evaluate UPF consumption, while the Constipation Scoring System (CSS) and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool assessed bowel habits and menstrual health, respectively. Anthropometric measurements, including BMI, body fat percentage,and visceral fat were recorded using an Omron Karada Analyzer.

Results: A higher percentage of participants were female (74.8%). Most participants (52.3%) consumed more than three meals daily, while 42.1% ate outside food 2-3 times per week. Higher UPF consumption showed a trend toward increased body fat (p = 0.053) and was significantly associated with greater visceral fat accumulation (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between UPF intake and bowel movement, gastrointestinal symptoms, or menstrual cycle irregularities (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Higher UPF consumption showed a trend toward increased body fat percentage, though not statistically significant. These findings highlight the need to reduce UPF intake to mitigate potential risks of increased adiposity and metabolic disturbances.