Comparisons and correlations between ultra-processed food consumption and conventional and novel anthropometric indicators in women

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and anthropometric indicators in women, including both conventional obesity indicators (body mass index—BMI, waist circumference—WC, waist-to-height ratio—WHtR, and waist-to-hip ratio—WHR) and novel measures (neck circumference—NC, calf circumference—CC, and mid-upper arm circumference—MUAC).

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2025, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 256 adult women in Türkiye. Participants completed a semi-quantitative UPF consumption frequency questionnaire in accordance with the NOVA classification. Body weight, height, WC, hip circumference, NC, MUAC, and CC were recorded. BMI, WHtR, and WHR were calculated.

Results: Higher UPF consumption was observed among participants with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², particularly for carbonated drinks and for breakfast cereals and cereal and energy bars. Carbonated drink consumption was positively correlated with NC (p = 0.035) and CC (p = 0.001). Sweet/savory packaged snack consumption was positively correlated with CC (p = 0.005) and MUAC (p = 0.035), while margarine/spreads were negatively correlated (p = 0.026). Energy drink intake was positively correlated with MUAC (p = 0.008). Sugared milk- and fruit-based drinks were positively correlated with NC (p = 0.010), and sugared cocoa drinks with CC (p = 0.014). Poultry and fish nuggets/sticks were inversely correlated with CC (p = 0.044). Quartile-based analyses showed that higher consumption of carbonated drinks was associated with significant differences in multiple anthropometric measures (BMI, WC, WHtR, NC, CC, MUAC), whereas packaged snack consumption showed differences only in WC and CC, mainly driven by the lowest vs. higher quartiles (particularly Q1 vs. Q3).

Conclusion: UPF consumption may contribute to increased body fat and underscore the importance of overall dietary patterns in obesity risk.