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Background <p>Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is rising globally, posing significant health and environmental risks. While studies have extensively examined ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, they often overlook the factors influencing awareness and behavioral shifts toward sustainable and healthy eating. This study aims to examine the relationship between UPF consumption, carbon footprint awareness, and sustainable and healthy eating behaviors in adults.</p> Methods <p>This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1748 adults aged 18–65 years. Participants’ Eating Behaviors and awareness levels were assessed using three validated scales: the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale (SHEBS), the Highly Processed Food Consumption Screening Questionnaire (sQ-HPF), and the Carbon Footprint Awareness Scale (CFAS). Pearson correlation and Linear regression analyses were used to assess associations.</p> Results <p>The mean age of participants was 29.4 ± 12.16 years and 55.7% had high UPF consumption. Participants’ general characteristics were assessed through a questionnaire.Pearson correlation analyses revealed that UPF consumption (sQ-HPF score) was negatively correlated with carbon footprint awareness (CFAS) (<i>r</i> = -0.184, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and sustainable and healthy eating behaviors (SHEBS) (<i>r</i> =-0.296, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between CFAS and SHEBS scores (<i>r</i> = 0.653, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), including all SHEBS sub-dimensions (<i>r</i> = 0.325–0.911, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Linear regression analysis indicated that age (β = -0.293), CFAS (β = -0.264), and SHEBS (β=-0.230) significantly predicted UPF consumption (R²=0.373, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, CFAS was predicted by SHEBS (β = 0.658) and UPF consumption (β = -0.141) (R² = 0.672), while SHEBS was predicted by CFAS (β = 0.644) and UPF consumption (β = -0.142) (R² = 0.680, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001).</p> Conclusions <p>UPF consumption is inversely associated with both carbon footprint awareness and sustainable, healthy eating behaviors. Strengthening environmental awareness and promoting sustainable eating practices may be effective strategies for reducing UPF intake in adults. These findings underscore the importance of integrative public health efforts targeting both nutritional and environmental dimensions.</p>

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Association between ultra-processed food consumption, carbon footprint awareness and sustainable and healthy eating behaviors in adult: a cross-sectional study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月1日

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  • Emine Merve Ekici,
  • Fatma Elif Eroğlu,
  • Özge Mengi Çelik

摘要

Background

Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is rising globally, posing significant health and environmental risks. While studies have extensively examined ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, they often overlook the factors influencing awareness and behavioral shifts toward sustainable and healthy eating. This study aims to examine the relationship between UPF consumption, carbon footprint awareness, and sustainable and healthy eating behaviors in adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1748 adults aged 18–65 years. Participants’ Eating Behaviors and awareness levels were assessed using three validated scales: the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale (SHEBS), the Highly Processed Food Consumption Screening Questionnaire (sQ-HPF), and the Carbon Footprint Awareness Scale (CFAS). Pearson correlation and Linear regression analyses were used to assess associations.

Results

The mean age of participants was 29.4 ± 12.16 years and 55.7% had high UPF consumption. Participants’ general characteristics were assessed through a questionnaire.Pearson correlation analyses revealed that UPF consumption (sQ-HPF score) was negatively correlated with carbon footprint awareness (CFAS) (r = -0.184, p < 0.001) and sustainable and healthy eating behaviors (SHEBS) (r =-0.296, p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between CFAS and SHEBS scores (r = 0.653, p < 0.001), including all SHEBS sub-dimensions (r = 0.325–0.911, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis indicated that age (β = -0.293), CFAS (β = -0.264), and SHEBS (β=-0.230) significantly predicted UPF consumption (R²=0.373, p < 0.001). Furthermore, CFAS was predicted by SHEBS (β = 0.658) and UPF consumption (β = -0.141) (R² = 0.672), while SHEBS was predicted by CFAS (β = 0.644) and UPF consumption (β = -0.142) (R² = 0.680, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

UPF consumption is inversely associated with both carbon footprint awareness and sustainable, healthy eating behaviors. Strengthening environmental awareness and promoting sustainable eating practices may be effective strategies for reducing UPF intake in adults. These findings underscore the importance of integrative public health efforts targeting both nutritional and environmental dimensions.