PD602
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN FOOD INSECURITY, ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD CONSUMPTION, OBESITY, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STATUS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM TURKEY
M. N. Kubilay1,*, S. Omür1
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Türkiye
Rationale: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, one of the primary drivers of the obesity pandemic, combines with the socioeconomic constraints characteristic of university life to create the conditions for a food insecurity–obesity paradox. This study aims to examine the associations between food insecurity, UPF consumption, obesity, and psychological status among university students in Türkiye.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1182 participants. Anthropometric measurements were obtained under standardized conditions, and body mass index (BMI) values were classified according to World Health Organization criteria. UPF consumption, food insecurity, and psychological status were assessed using the Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Short Screening Questionnaire, the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress-8 (DASS-8) scale, respectively.
Results: Of the participants, 82.1% were food secure and 17.9% were food insecure. Food insecurity was significantly associated with male sex (p=0.001), lower income (p<0.001), and dormitory residence (p<0.001). Comparison of variables by food insecurity status is presented in Table 1. Positive associations were found between BMI and both food insecurity (r=0.070, p=0.016) and UPF consumption (r=0.086, p=0.003). A significant association was identified between food insecurity and DASS-8 scores (r=0.251, p<0.001), whereas no significant association was found between UPF consumption and food insecurity.
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Conclusion: Food insecurity is a significant public health concern involving behavioral and psychological aspects. Findings suggest that obesity risk is shaped by psychological stress and unhealthy dietary patterns associated with food insecurity. Addressing obesity requires comprehensive strategies integrating social policies and psychosocial support interventions.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared