Association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and generalized anxiety disorder in adults with obesity seeking weight loss

Purpose The association between symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) needs to be better characterized in obese adults seeking weight loss. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between GAD symptoms and UPF consumption in this Population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 148 adults (19–59 years old) with obesity recruited from a Brazilian university. Food consumption was assessed using three 24-hour dietary recalls, which were classified according to the NOVA classification. GAD was measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Linear regression models adjusted for confounding factors, such as sex, age, economic status, and physical activity, were used to analyze the association between anxiety symptoms and UPF consumption. Results Higher GAD-7 scores were associated with greater UPF consumption (β = 0.445%; 95% CI: 0.042% – 0.849%; p = 0.031). There was no significant association between GAD and the intake of sodium (β = -18.464mg; 95% CI: -55.618mg – 18.689mg; p = 0.328), sugar (β = -0.127g; 95% CI: -0.342g – 0.087g; p = 0.243), or saturated fat (β = 0.290g; 95% CI: -0.024g – 0.604g; p = 0.070). The average UPF consumption was 22.8% of total energy intake. Conclusion Obese adults seeking weight loss who had higher anxiety symptoms consumed more UPF, suggesting a relationship between anxiety and dietary patterns. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore causality and underlying mechanisms.