Dr. Harpreet KaurAshna2024-04-042024-04-042023Ashna (2023). Ultra-processed food consumption in relation to noncommunicable diseases among urban households from varied socio-economic groups (Unpublished M.Sc. thesis). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810208111A research study was carried out to analyze the Ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption in relation to non-communicable diseases among 105 urban households, out of which 35 belonged to each lower-middle , upper-middle and upper socio-economic strata (SES). Health and nutritional status were assessed using various parameters such as anthropometry , biochemical , food and nutrient intake. The required information was collected through a pretested questionnaire by personal interview technique. Results revealed that upper SES households spent 18.21 percent of their total food expenditure on ultra-processed foods, whereas for lower-middle and upper-middle SES it was 7.22 and 10.39 percent. The consumption of Ready To Cook snacks, fruits/vegetable based juices, breakfast cereals, breads and biscuits was significantly (p<0.05) higher among upper SES , followed by lowermiddle and upper-middle SES. Whereas, food items such as fast-food chain items , flavoured butter and margarine , and sweets were found to have a non-significant difference in consumption pattern. Among elderly men and women it was inferred that maximum intake was from the breads and biscuits category from all categories of UPF. Significantly (p<0.05) higher intake of food groups such as milk and milk products, fruits, and other vegetables was observed among upper SES, whereas consumption of Green leafy vegetables was inadequate among all SES groups as the intake ranged between 5.98 ±2.87to 24.56±2.79g/day. Percent energy, total fat and sodium contribution from UPF was significantly higher in upper SES groups. Weight, hip circumference, body fat percentage, and muscle mass were higher among upper-middle and upper SES groups. Fasting blood glucose levels were higher in lowermiddle SES elderly subjects, whereas total cholesterol and LDL-C were higher in Upper SES subjects. A positive and significant (p<0.05) correlation was found among percent energy contribution from UPF with weight, body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage. Percent sodium contribution from UPF depicted a correlation with the systolic blood pressure of the subjects whereas, correlation between total fat intake from UPF with body fat percentage, visceral fat and serum triglyceride levels was also observed. The study concluded that higher consumption of UPF found among the higher SES households may be the reason for higher weight, total cholesterol and LDL-C that can lead to higher incidence of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Hence, there is an urgent need for the implementation of educational programs that target higher SES individuals, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet and the health risks associated with excessive ultra-processed food consumption.EnglishThesis