Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
2nd International Health Sciences Congress in the 21st Century, Aydın, Türkiye, 5 - 07 Kasım 2025, ss.1026-1029, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
Globally, there has been a significant increase in obesity rates, and one of the main reasons for this increase is the excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods. The ultra-processed foods are energy-dense and low in fiber and micronutrients. Additionally, they have been shown to increase energy intake due to their low satiety and brain-reward system-stimulating properties. Broad segments of society often prefer these products for their accessibility, low cost, and appealing taste profiles. Studies have reported a positive correlation between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and obesity prevalence. In particular, high consumption of fast food, packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and ready meals increases energy intake and accelerates weight gain. Reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods, increasing nutrition label literacy, raising individuals' nutritional knowledge, and providing nutrition education to guide individuals toward unprocessed or minimally processed foods will contribute to reducing obesity rates at the community level.