IMPACT OF ULTRAPROCESSED FOOD CONSUMPTION ON VISCERAL FAT ACCUMULATION. CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS USING BIO IMPEDANCE ANALYSIS.

Background The increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods has emerged as a significant nutritional concern worldwide. These foods are typically high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, which may contribute to excessive adiposity and metabolic disturbances. Visceral fat accumulation is particularly important because of its strong association with cardiometabolic disorders including insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. However, limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and visceral fat accumulation within South Asian populations. Objective To evaluate the association between ultra-processed food consumption and visceral fat accumulation among adults attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from February to June 2025 at the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Services Hospital Lahore. A total of 355 adults aged 18–60 years were recruited using consecutive sampling. Dietary intake of ultra-processed foods was assessed through a structured food frequency questionnaire based on the NOVA classification. Body composition parameters, including visceral fat levels, were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic variables, while one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were applied to evaluate the association between ultra-processed food intake and visceral fat levels. Results The mean age of participants was 36.8 ± 10.7 years and the mean BMI was 27.6 ± 4.5 kg/m². Approximately 40.6% of participants exhibited elevated visceral fat levels. Participants with high ultra-processed food intake demonstrated significantly higher mean visceral fat levels (13.1 ± 3.8) compared with moderate (10.7 ± 3.1) and low intake groups (8.9 ± 2.6) (p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between ultra-processed food consumption score and visceral fat level (r = 0.41, p < 0.001). Regression analysis confirmed ultra-processed food intake as an independent predictor of visceral fat accumulation. Conclusion Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was significantly associated with increased visceral fat accumulation. Reducing intake of ultra-processed foods may help mitigate visceral adiposity and related metabolic risks. Keywords: Adiposity; Adult; Body Composition; Diet; Obesity; Processed Food; Visceral Fat