Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Domain-Specific Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women: Associations with...

Background/Objectives: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is increasing worldwide, yet its domain-specific impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among postmenopausal women remains poorly characterized. This study investigated associations between UPF intake and domain-specific and overall HRQoL in a nationally representative sample of Korean postmenopausal women. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2021) were analyzed. UPF consumption was assessed using a single 24 h dietary recall and classified according to the NOVA food classification system. HRQoL was evaluated using the five EQ-5D domains and the overall EQ-5D index. Survey-weighted logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across UPF intake quartiles, adjusting for socioeconomic and health-related covariates. Results: Higher UPF consumption was associated with impairments in specific HRQoL domains rather than a uniform decline across domains. In fully adjusted models, women in the third UPF intake quartile had higher odds of mobility impairment (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.06-2.86) and anxiety/depression symptoms (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.06-2.77) than those in the lowest quartile. A significant linear trend was observed for mobility (P-for-trend = 0.012). In contrast, associations with the overall EQ-5D index score were limited and not consistently observed after full adjustment. Conclusions: Higher UPF consumption is associated with domain-specific HRQoL impairments, particularly affecting physical mobility and mental health, among postmenopausal women. These findings underscore the importance of domain-specific assessments and suggest that UPF consumption may be related to certain aspects of functional and psychological well-being after menopause.