Abstract
Objective To (i) estimate the consumption of minimally processed, processed and ultra-processed foods in a sample of Lebanese adults; (ii) explore patterns of intakes of these food groups; and (iii) investigate the association of the derived patterns with cardiometabolic risk.
Design Cross-sectional survey. Data collection included dietary assessment using an FFQ and biochemical, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Food items were categorized into twenty-five groups based on the NOVA food classification. The contribution of each food group to total energy intake (TEI) was estimated. Patterns of intakes of these food groups were examined using exploratory factor analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of derived patterns with cardiometabolic risk factors.
Setting Greater Beirut area, Lebanon.
Subjects Adults 18 years (n 302) with no prior history of chronic diseases.
Results Of TEI, 3653 and 2710 % were contributed by ultra-processed and minimally processed foods, respectively. Two dietary patterns were identified: the ultra-processed' and the minimally processed/processed'. The ultra-processed' consisted mainly of fast foods, snacks, meat, nuts, sweets and liquor, while the minimally processed/processed' consisted mostly of fruits, vegetables, legumes, breads, cheeses, sugar and fats. Participants in the highest quartile of the minimally processed/processed' pattern had significantly lower odds for metabolic syndrome (OR=018, 95 % CI 004, 077), hyperglycaemia (OR=025, 95 % CI 007, 098) and low HDL cholesterol (OR=017, 95 % CI 005, 060).
Conclusions The study findings may be used for the development of evidence-based interventions aimed at encouraging the consumption of minimally processed foods.