Association of ultra-processed food consumption with menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) consumption and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. In this cross-sectional study, data of 305 postmenopausal women were evaluated. The data were collected by the researchers through face-to-face interviews between December 2023 and March 2024 using the Introductory Information Form, Frequency of UPF Consumption and Menopause Symptom Rating Scale. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and linear regression analysis were used in data analysis. The significance level of statistical tests was accepted as p < .05. The total UPF consumption of postmenopausal women was 56.56   +   116.77 g/day. The mean scores of somatic complaints, psychological complaints, and urogenital complaints subscales of the Menopause Symptom Rating Scale were 9.98   +   2.48, 9.28   +   2.67, and 6.06   +   2.15, respectively. While there was no relationship between daily UPF consumption and psychological and urogenital symptoms, Model 1 (β:0.129, p < .05), Model 2 (β:0.141, p < .05), Model 3 (β:0.167, p < .05) and Model 4 (β:0.150, p < .05) showed that daily UPF consumption was positively associated with somatic symptoms. In conclusion, the severity of somatic symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, heart problems, and sleep problems increases as UPF consumption increases in postmenopausal women.