Relationship between ultra-processed food consumption classified by nova system and body mass index in a private university

With the recent replacement of processed foods for meals at home, there is an increase in the frequency of consumption of ultra-processed food in nations and associated prevalences of overweight, obesity, Type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular and intestinal diseases. This study aimed to understand the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption, obesity, and body mass index among university students. A total of 362 students studying at Yeditepe University were included. A Turkey-specific, validated, semi-quantitative food consumption frequency questionnaire containing 229 nutrients was administered to the students. The foods were classified according to NOVA system published by the Food and Agriculture Organization and developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo. Students get almost a quarter of their daily energy from ultra-processed food and more than half from processed food. It was determined that men consumed more ultra-processed foods and had a higher body mass index (p < 0.05). Students studying in health-related faculties consumed less ultra-processed food compared to other faculties (p < 0.05). "Ready-to-eat" and "affordability" were the most important factors determining food consumption for those with the highest consumption of ultra-processed food, "healthy" was the main factor for those that consumed the least amount of ultra-processed food (p < 0.05). As a result, those have higher processed food consumption have significantly higher body mass index, and the faculty where the student is educated is one of the important factors determining this consumption. Students should be aware of ultra-processed foods, and health awareness should be created about their consumption. Keywords: Ultra-processed Foods, NOVA, Obesity, University Students