Risk Of Obesity Research Articles

Regular Exercise Training Induces More Changes on Intestinal Glucose Uptake from Blood and Microbiota Composition in Leaner Compared to Heavier Individuals in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for BMI

Background/Objectives: Obesity impairs intestinal glucose uptake (GU) (intestinal uptake of circulating glucose from blood) and alters gut microbiome. Exercise improves intestinal insulin-stimulated GU and alters microbiome. Genetics influence the risk of obesity and gut microbiome. However, the role of genetics on the effects of exercise on intestinal GU and microbiome is unclear. Methods: Twelve monozygotic twin pairs discordant for BMI (age 40.4 ± 4.5 years, BMI heavier 36.7 ± 6.0, leaner 29.1 ± 5.7, 8 female pairs) performed a six-month-long training intervention. Small intestine and colonic insulin-stimulated GU was studied using [18F]FDG-PET and microbiota from fecal samples with 16s rRNA. Results: Ten pairs completed the intervention. At baseline, heavier twins had lower small intestine and colonic GU (p < 0.05). Response to exercise differed between twins (p = 0.05), with leaner twins increasing colonic GU. Alpha and beta diversity did not differ at baseline. During the intervention, beta diversity changed significantly, most prominently at the mid-point (p < 0.01). Beta diversity changes were only significant in the leaner twins when the twin groups were analyzed separately. Exercise was associated with changes at the phylum level, mainly at the mid-point (pFDR < 0.05); at the genus level, several microbes increased, such as Lactobacillus and Sellimonas (pFDR < 0.05). In type 1 analyses, many genera changes were associated with exercise, and fewer, such as Lactobacillus, were also associated with dietary sugar consumption (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Obesity impairs insulin-stimulated intestinal GU independent of genetics. Though both twin groups exhibited some microbiota changes, most changes in insulin-stimulated colon GU and microbiota were significant in the leaner twins.

The role of maternal obesity in macrosomia and childhood obesity: a comprehensive review of current evidence and mechanisms

ABSTRACT In recent decades, global rates of overweight and obesity have surged, posing significant health challenges, Maternal obesity is particularly concerning because of its potential adverse effects on women, foetuses, and children. The intrauterine environment plays a crucial role in shaping long-term health outcomes, with maternal factors significantly influencing childhood obesity and related health markers. This review synthesises current evidence on the associations between macrosomia, maternal weight, pregnancy weight gain, and offspring obesity risk. It explores how maternal weight status during pregnancy may impact a child’s susceptibility to obesity later in life, examining potential underlying mechanisms. By consolidating these findings, the review aims to deepen our understanding of the complex relationships between maternal health, prenatal factors, and childhood obesity. This knowledge can inform future research and public health strategies aimed at addressing this global health issue effectively.

Abdominal obesity in youth: the associations of plasma Lysophophatidylcholine concentrations with insulin resistance.

This study aimed to explore the associations of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) with insulin resistance (IR) and abdominal obesity among children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 612 young individuals, aged 7 to 18 years in Tianjin City, China. LC-MS metabolomic analysis was used to measure LPCs levels. The Homeostasis Model Assessment was used to estimate IR. Waist circumference measurements were used to assess abdominal obesity. Logistic regression models were employed to explore the relationships between LPCs and IR and abdominal obesity. Mediation analyses were performed to analyze whether LPCs affected IR through abdominal obesity. Compared to their counterparts, five specific LPCs were significantly different in youth with IR. The levels of LPC 24:0 and 26:0 were significantly associated with IR after adjustment. Both decreased levels of LPC 24:0 and 26:0 associated with the increased risks of IR (OR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.38-0.95; OR: 0.66, 95%CI: 0.40-1.00), and the ORs for abdominal obesity were 0.68 (95%CI: 0.38-1.00) and 0.51 (95%CI: 0.28-0.90), respectively. Mediation analysis indicated that abdominal obesity mediated the association between LPC 26:0 and IR, with a total effect (c) of -0.109 (P < 0.05), a direct effect (c') of -0.055 (P > 0.05), and an indirect effect through obesity (a × b) path with "a" of -0.125 (P < 0.05) and "b" of 0.426 (P < 0.05). Overall findings suggest that decreased levels of LPC 24:0 and 26:0 were associated with increased risks of IR and abdominal obesity. Importantly, addressing abdominal obesity may mediate the impact of IR driven by LPC 26:0.

The use of alternative protein sources in quail diets: A review

The growth of the Earth’s population and people’s striving for healthy life style lead to an increase in the global demand for protein food. Quails are a valuable source of protein, which is thought to reduce the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Inclusion of alternative protein sources into the composition of feeds for quails is an answer to ecological problems associated with the use of traditional protein sources. Plants, insects, algae and mushrooms are among alternative protein sources that are mentioned most frequently in scientific studies. The aim of this review is analysis of scientific literature dedicated to the use of plants, insects, algae and mushrooms as alternative protein sources in feedstuff for quails. Plant sources of protein, such as soya and maize, are successfully used in feedstuff production. However, studies have shown that addition of other sources, including by-products of crop husbandry, will allow increasing sustainability and reducing the dependence of the industry on traditional raw materials. Flour from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae is the promising and most widely studied source of protein among insects and can positively affect productivity and health of quails. Among algae, it is necessary to mention spirulina (Spirulina platensis and Arthrospira platensis). Upon addition of 4% of the spirullina powder, productivity parameters in poultry increased. Mushrooms are described as a promising protein source in feedstuff that is also capable of ensuring an increase in productivity and quality of poultry meat. Today, however, there are few studies on this subject. It is recommended to focus further studies of the application of alternative protein sources in quail diets on questions of safety of their use and more detailed analysis of economic feasibility.

Epigenetic programming of obesity in early life through modulation of the kynurenine pathway.

Childhood obesity is a global health concern that has its origins before birth. Although genetics plays a crucial role, increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications during fetal life could also influence its incidence. In this model, during the fetal period, interactions between genetic makeup, intrauterine factors, and environmental conditions, increase the risk of childhood obesity. This is in accordance with the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, in which specific intrauterine environments can have long-lasting effects on the immune system's essential functions during crucial stages of fetal growth, resulting in permanent changes to the immune function of the offspring. Consequently, dysfunction can consequently make the offspring more prone to inflammatory and immune-related disorders later in life. In this review, we examine how maternal inflammation could influence the risk of childhood obesity. We propose that during pregnancy, modification of the expression of critical genes in metabolic and signaling pathways, such as the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway, occurs due to increased levels of maternal inflammation. We also propose that such expression differences are mediated by epigenetic changes. Furthermore, we also hypothesize that the Kyn pathway produces metabolites that have immunoregulatory effects and may play a crucial role in regulating inflammation during pregnancy. As a result, interventions aimed at improving maternal inflammation may be able to help alleviate the risk of childhood obesity.

A geographic perspective of the association between physical activity and cardiovascular health: A need for community-level intervention

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of death globally, and minority communities are at higher risk of chronic health outcomes. A combination of lifestyle, including physical activity (PA), good nutrition, and reduced stress, can improve life expectancy. This study aimed to analyze the association between CVDs and PA among the adult population (N = 3,956) based on the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) survey in Afghanistan. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and spatial analytical techniques were used to analyze the data. Based on the WHO STEPS data, the computed prevalence of CVDs, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol were 7.41%, 45.57%, 34.06%, 9.51%, and 12.16%, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that moderate work-related PA was associated with higher odds of CVDs and high cholesterol while inversely associated with obesity. Moderate leisure-related PA was positively associated with obesity. Vigorous leisure-related PA was associated with lower risks of CVDs, obesity, and high cholesterol but had a positive association with hypertension. Spatial analysis revealed a CVD hotspot in the southern region and the risk factors clustered in the northern region. These findings offer valuable insights for community and public health practitioners to design targeted interventions for reducing the burden of CVDs and risk factors in communities in developing countries.

The adipose tissue keeps the score: priming of the adrenal-adipose tissue axis by early life stress predisposes women to obesity and cardiometabolic risk

The adipose tissue keeps the score: priming of the adrenal-adipose tissue axis by early life stress predisposes women to obesity and cardiometabolic risk

Obesity and cardiovascular risk: a primer for the clinician.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. This review addresses the complex interaction between obesity and cardiovascular risk, highlighting dysfunctional adiposity as a crucial precursor in the metabolic renal cardiovascular continuum. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are reviewed, emphasizing the importance of risk identification and proper stratification, as well as the various available treatment strategies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that have proven to reduce cardiovascular risk. Practical tools and evidence-based strategies are provided to enhance clinical management and cardiovascular health outcomes in this particularly vulnerable patient population.

Obesity and risk of placenta accreta spectrum: A meta-analysis.

Some studies have indicated a notable association between obesity and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), while others have not reported. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to explore the association between obesity and the risk of PAS. To explore the association between obesity and PAS through observational studies, we conducted a systematic search across PubMed, Web of Science, Google scholar, and Scopus databases up to March 30, 2024. The meta-analysis utilized a random-effect model, with the quality of included studies assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant using Stata software, version 14 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). The association between obesity and PAS risk in crude studies showed significance (1.51 [95% CI: 1.19, 1.82; I 2 = 0.0%]). However, in adjusted studies, the association was not significant (1.25 [95% CI: 0.45, 2.05; I 2 = 52.0%]). These findings suggest that obesity has been proposed as potentially associated with a higher risk of PAS, particularly evident in crude studies. However, it is imperative to conduct prospective cohort studies with a large sample size and meticulous control of confounding variables to further elucidate this relationship.

Association of lichen planopilaris with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is among the most common types of immune-mediated scarring alopecia. Observational studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the association of LPP with different comorbidities. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate the association between LPP and different cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. We systematically searched four electronic databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library-for relevant studies published from their inception to August 1, 2024. A random-effects model was used to perform a pooled analysis and calculate odds ratios or incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The meta-analysis included 10 case-controls studies involving 7,516 patients with LPP and 64,719,097 controls. The results demonstrated no significant association between LPP and hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or hyperlipidemia. The pooled analysis results also revealed that patients with LPP did not have significantly higher risks of obesity and heart failure than did controls. All pooled analyses revealed high levels of heterogeneity across the studies, but no significant publication bias was detected. LPP is not significantly associated with most cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and heart failure.

Evaluation of the Effect of Football on Preventing Infant Obesity and Optimization of Strategies

According to the report of the World Health Organization, more than 4 billion children and adolescents in the world are overweight or obese, among which the problem of obesity among children in China is becoming increasingly serious. Relevant studies show that the risk of obesity among children who regularly participate in football is reduced by 30%. Focusing on the research background of infant obesity prevention, this paper takes football as an example to analyze the physiological psychology of childrens participation in football and the related theoretical starting point of obesity prevention, discusses the relationship between football participation and infant obesity by using literature review, investigation, data collection and analysis and ethical consideration, and explores the effect of different football intensity on obesity prevention and the influence of football on childrens physical and psychological indexes. Combined with the actual data, this paper evaluates the effect of football in preventing young childrens obesity, discusses the factors affecting the effect of football, and puts forward suggestions for strategy optimization. Provide useful reference and enlightenment for the prevention of infant obesity in China.

Genetic Variants of Obesity in Malaysia: A Scoping Review.

Obesity is a pressing public health issue in Malaysia, involving not only excess weight but also complex metabolic and physiological changes. Addressing these complexities requires comprehensive strategies, including understanding the population-level differences in obesity susceptibility. This review aims to compile the genetic variants studied among Malaysians and emphasize their implications for obesity risk. Relevant articles published up to March 2024 were extracted from the Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. The review process was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. From an initial pool of 579 articles, 35 of these were selected for the final review. The identified gene variants, including LEPR (K656N), LEP (G2548A-Indian only), ADIPOQ (rs17366568), UCP2 (45bp-I/D), ADRB3 (rs4994), MC3R (rs3827103), PPARγ (pro12Ala-Malay only), IL1RA (intron 2 VNTR), NFKB1 (rs28362491), and FADS1 (rs174547-Indian only), showed significant associations with obesity as measured by the respective studies. Overall, more intensive genetic research is needed, starting with population-based profiling of genetic data on obesity, including among children. Sociocultural contexts and environmental factors influence variations in genetic elements, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the impacts of obesity in the population.

Cross-ancestry analysis identifies genes associated with obesity risk and protection.

Gene discoveries in obesity have largely been based on European cohorts, leading to an ancestral bias, that limits their generalizability across populations. We performed a gene-based rare variant association study of 721,941 individuals and identified 116 novel BMI-associated genes with consistent effects across ancestries, including 50 risk-conferring and 66 protective genes against obesity. Protective genes such as DCUN1D3 and NEUROD6 had effect sizes comparable to high-risk genes such as MC4R and BSN , and nearly twice that of known protective genes such as GPR75 , which, along with five other genes, showed strong European bias. Notably, 82 of the 116 genes showed functional relevance to obesity including adiposity, energy homeostasis, and glucose metabolism. While polygenic risks or an obesogenic lifestyle amplified the effect of 15 genes on BMI, including the combination of low physical activity and MACROD1 , 23 genes including VIRMA , AQP3 , and PML retained protective effects even at high polygenic scores. Our findings provide further insights into the genetic basis of obesity that is conserved across ancestries and their interactions with obesogenic factors.

Human milk oligosaccharide profiles remain unaffected by maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index in an observational study.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are important carbohydrates in human milk that infants cannot digest, acting as prebiotics linked to infant health. The risk of childhood obesity increases with maternal obesity, potentially mediated through the gut microbiota affected by the available HMOs. Studies on whether maternal obesity affects HMO abundance, yield conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate the HMO profile and its association with maternal obesity measured by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and infant anthropometrics. The results were discussed in the context of existing literature. 90 human milk samples were collected at 3 months postpartum from mothers in three BMI-groups: 32 normal weight (BMI: 18.5-24.99 kg/m2), 34 overweight (BMI: 25-30 kg/m2), and 24 obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). The samples were analyzed using nano liquid chromatography chip quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry yielding 51 HMO structures and isomers. Their peak areas were integrated and normalized to determine relative abundances. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed associations between relative HMO abundance and donors' secretor status and specific infant anthropometric variables, but not with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI. This study does not support the hypothesis that maternal overweight influences the HMO profile and highlights the importance of reporting results despite absence of significant correlations.

Association between Serum Fatty Acids Profile and MetScore in Women with Severe Obesity

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a set of conditions associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Several serum fatty acids (FAs) seem to play an essential role in the development of cardiometabolic diseases and mortality. Thus, it is imperative to explore the impact of FAs on MetS parameters, using an early MetS screening tool such as MetScore, which is readily available in clinical practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the potential correlation between serum FAs and cardiovascular risk using a MetScore. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 41 women with severe obesity. The MetScore was calculated, and participants were categorized into high- and low-cardiovascular-risk groups based on the median MetScore value. Gas chromatography was used to quantify serum FAs. Generalized Linear Models were used to compare group means. The association was assessed through simple logistic regression, and an adjusted logistic regression was conducted to validate the association between Metscore and serum FAs. Results: The high-cardiovascular-risk group exhibited elevated values of HOMA-IR, palmitic, oleic, cis-vaccenic, and monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as the SCD-18C, indicating a heightened cardiovascular risk. Conversely, HDL-c, QUICK, gamma-linolenic, and eicosatetraenoic fatty acids showed lower values compared to the low-risk group. Conclusions: Women with severe obesity and high cardiovascular risk have lower values of some omega-3 and omega-6 FAs, considered cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory, and have higher lipogenic activity and FAs, correlated with high cardiovascular risk. These findings emphasize the need to address lipid metabolism in this population as a therapeutic target to reduce cardiovascular risk. Future research should explore clinical interventions that modulate fatty acid metabolism to mitigate cardiometabolic complications.

Association of ADIPOQ Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) with Obesity Risk in Different Populations: A Systematic Review and Analysis.

Thirty-two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are commonly found in ADIPOQ. APN levels are decreased in obesity, and SNPs of the ADIPOQ gene affecting APN have varying associations with the development of obesity in different populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of SNPs in ADIPOQ with the risk of obesity development in various populations. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist date up to Feb 2023. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale to find out if a study fit the main criteria for submission and to assess the data quality of the articles included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated via Review Manager (RM) V.5.4 to estimate the connection between ADIPOQ polymorphic qualities of a gene and the risk of developing obesity. The present study analysed the association between ADIPOQ polymorphisms (rs1501299, rs2241766, rs266729, rs822393, and rs822396) and obesity risk and suggested that APN is partially responsible for the emergence of obesity and increases its risk. It is important to take into account several limitations of this meta-analysis when evaluating the findings. First off, even though we looked through numerous databases for all relevant papers, there is a chance we overlooked some. Our capacity to arrive at more firm conclusions was further hampered by the small number of papers that made up our meta-analysis. The most current data, however, are presented in this study since it used newly published data to perform a meta-analysis and evaluate the relationship between ADIPOQ polymorphisms and obesity.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Obese Population in Kuwait: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The increasing prevalence of obesity and associated cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Kuwait requires a comprehensive analysis of its contributing factors and health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the relationship between obesity and CVDs and identify the main factors driving obesity in the Kuwaiti population. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, multiple databases were systematically searched, identifying 980 articles. After removing duplicates and screening the articles against the inclusion criteria (observational or intervention studies published from 2001 to 2024 in English, conducted in Kuwait or on Kuwaitis, examining obesity (body mass index or validated measures) and CVDs (coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes), 44 published studies from 2001 to 2024 were included in the final analysis. The studies varied widely in design and population, complicating the estimation of the total number of participants. The pooled prevalence of overweight patients was 36% (95% CI: 25-47) with high heterogeneity (I2=99.86%) and a statistically non-significant difference (p>0.01). Likewise, the pooled prevalence of overweight patients was 31% (95% CI: 23-40,I2=99.03%), with a statistically non-significant difference (p>0.01). The key factors contributing to obesity in Kuwait include a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, poor sleep quality, stress, genetic predisposition, metabolic disorders, environmental factors, and cultural factors. Sedentary behavior and unhealthy diets, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and economic growth, were prominent contributors. Genetic studies have identified specific genetic variants associated with obesity. Stress and poor sleep quality were significant factors, particularly in urban environments. A strong association was found between obesity and various CVD risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, with pooled population attributable risk estimates of 15%-18%, 13%-15%, and 10%, respectively. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of obesity in Kuwait, which is influenced by lifestyle, dietary habits, genetic factors, and socioeconomic changes. Age- and gender-specific analyses revealed higher obesity rates in adults aged 40-60 years and stronger associations with CVD in females. The consistent link between obesity and CVD risk factors highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions. Obesity contributes significantly to the CVD burden in Kuwait, driven by a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. Comprehensive strategies addressing these determinants are essential to mitigate the obesity epidemic and its associated health risks in the Kuwaiti population.

Childhood maltreatment, adulthood obesity and incident type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study using UK Biobank.

This study aims to explore the association of childhood maltreatment with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adulthood, and whether obesity is a mediator of the latter. In a retrospective cohort study using UK Biobank data, participants recalled childhood maltreatment. Linear regression, logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the associations with body mass index (BMI), obesity, and T2D, adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Decomposition analysis was used to examine the extent to which T2D excess risk was attributed to BMI. Of the 153,601 participants who completed the childhood maltreatment questions, one-third reported some form of maltreatment. Prevalence of adult obesity and incidence of T2D were higher with the number of reported childhood maltreatment types. People who reported ≥3 types of childhood maltreatment were at higher risk of obesity (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.47-1.63) and incident T2D (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.52-1.80). Excess T2D risk among those reporting maltreatment could be reduced by 39% if their BMI was comparable to participants who had not been maltreated, assuming causality. People who recalled maltreatment in childhood are at higher risk of T2D in adulthood, partly due to obesity.

Declining Health Status of Young Women in India: A Cause of Concern

Health is important in every stage of life but the foundation of quality of old age majorly lies in the young age. Now a days due to modernisation and westernisation a major shift in lifestyles of young generation has been observed globally. Young women health status has shifted to a great extent towards deterioration as per recent researches in India. Many studies conducted on young women and college going females have concluded high percentages of subjects under the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and poly cystic ovary syndrome. These chronic diseases are well known for other serious medical complications. The presence of risk of such diseases in the young females is really a cause of concern as to build a healthy and progressive nation, it is essential to preserve the health of the youth. The decline in health of young women can be a threat to their future health. Realising the importance of well- being of young women, present review article presents data on health status and prevalence of diseases among them.

Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Food Sustainability: Exposure Assessment and Health Implications.

Excessive consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) is a global health concern as-sociated with an increased incidence of non-communicable diseases. UPFs are characterized by their extensive industrial processing and high content of additives, preservatives, chemicals, and artificial ingredients that are used to mask defects or inferior ingredients of end food products, presenting a multifaceted challenge to contemporary society. Exposure assessment showed that almost 50% to 30% of the energy consumption per day comes from UPFs. The more processed a food is, the less likely it is to be healthy and nutritious. UPFs affect human health by increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, depression, diabetes, etc., as these foods are typically made up of a large number of preservatives, high content of fats, sodium, and sugars, and low contents of protein, fiber, and potassium. The ingredients required for the production of UPFs are commonly derived from intensive monoculture and livestock of raw foods. This, in turn, exerts imminent effects on agriculture, biodiversity, and the global food system by altering the bioavailability of nutrients within agricultural soil, thereby increasing the dependency on ferti-lizers and insecticides. Recent studies have shown that over-consumption of UPF has an effect on culinary traditions, loss of biodiversity, human well-being, and food system sustainability. Therefore, for better food system sustainability, the consumption of UPFs should be reduced, and we should move toward minimal processing technologies, preferably for seasonal and or-ganic local products. Based on available data, there is an urgent need to implement policies and regulations for the agro-food industry to include nutritional and environmental criteria. This review explains the different dimensions of UPFs in relation to health, nutrition, environment, current challenges, future innovations, and wider sustainability concerns.