Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Ultraprocessed Food Consumption in Relation to Body Composition and Muscle Function Outcomes among Midlife and Older Women: NHANES 2007-2018
Soma B, Baric A, Heisz J, Shea A, Bell K, Martínez Steele E, Christoforou A
Current developments in nutrition · 0 citations
Review labels
Neutral facts our review recorded about how this study was done. They describe method, never whether we like the result.
How it was studied
- Design
- Cross-sectional study (classified by our AI screen)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
- Intake measured by
- Food diaries or recalls
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
Based on full-text disclosure statement.
Publication
- Published
- 2026-05-26 · Curr Dev Nutr · vol. 10 · issue 6 · p. 107726
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Cited
- 1 citation · more than 96% of similar papers · 7.2× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 50 works
- Access
- Open access (journal) · CC-BY
- Research areas
- Nutritional Studies and Diet · Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling · Dietary Effects on Health
- Keywords
- Mediterranean diet, Lean body mass, Body mass index, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Food group, Grip strength, Sarcopenia, Confounding, Food consumption
7 authors
From CA, BR, GT
- Bhavana Soma · correspondingMcMaster University
- Angelina BaricMcMaster University
- Dr Jennifer HeiszMcMaster University
- Alison SheaMcMaster University
- Kirsten BellMcMaster University
- Eurídice Martínez SteeleUniversidade de São Paulo; Departamento de Epidemiología
Abstract
Background
Midlife is a critical period for women's health, during which hormonal changes increase the risk of unfavorable body composition and functional decline. Diet quality is a key modifiable determinant, yet evidence in midlife and older women remains fragmented, particularly regarding food processing and whole-diet patterns.
Objectives
This study aimed to examine associations of Mediterranean diet adherence and ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption with body composition and muscle function among midlife and older women, and to assess whether associations differ by menopausal status.
Methods
We analyzed data from a cross-sectional sample of 8376 females aged 45 to 80 y participating in the 2007-2018 NHANES. Dietary intake was assessed using two 24-h recalls, from which Mediterranean diet adherence was estimated using a modified Mediterranean Diet Score, and UPF intake was quantified as the proportion of total grams from NOVA-classified UPFs. Outcomes included BMI, total body fat percentage, android-to-gynoid fat ratio, appendicular lean mass (ALM) relative to BMI (ALM/BMI), grip strength, bone mineral density, and categorical BMI and bone health classifications. Survey-weighted regression models were used with multivariable adjustment. Effect modification by menopausal status was evaluated using interaction terms.
Results
In fully adjusted models, a higher modified Mediterranean Diet Score was associated with lower BMI, total and central adiposity, and greater ALM/BMI. Higher UPF consumption showed opposite associations and was additionally associated with weaker grip strength. Associations with bone outcomes were weak and did not persist after full adjustment. No statistically significant interactions with menopausal status were observed.
Conclusions
Among midlife and older United States women, higher diet quality and lower UPF consumption are associated with more favorable body composition and muscle function, whereas associations with bone health are less evident. These findings highlight the relevance of diet quality and food processing for body composition changes during aging in women.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).
Community trust
Loading…
How much do you trust this study's findings?
Comments
Sign in to rate, comment on or flag this study.Sign inSomething wrong here?
Flag this study if its information, labels or funding look wrong. An editor reviews every flag.
Sign in to rate, comment on or flag this study.Sign inEducational information about published research. Not medical advice, and not a recommendation to start or stop anything.