Stress Ultra Processed Food Consumption and Abdominal Obesity in Public Security Officers

Abstract Introduction: Abdominal adiposity is associated with several other health problems faced by public security officers exposed to high levels of stress. The aim of the present study was to identify abdominal adiposity and investigate its association with dietary intake, biochemical variables, stress, and quality of life in among public security officers. Objective: This study aimed to identify abdominal adiposity and investigate its association with dietary intake, biochemical variables, stress, and quality of life among public security officers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 216 public security officers from the state of Espírito Santo, using the Stress Symptoms Inventory (ISSL), the Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFCA), and the WHOQOL-bref to assess stress symptoms, dietary intake, and quality of life, respectively. Poisson regression analyses and multiple regression models (95% CI), raw and adjusted, were performed., both crude and adjusted. Results: The sample (n=216) was predominantly male (76.03%), and there was a high prevalence of overweight individuals(67.8%). Public security officers with higher BMI showed an increased prevalence of abdominal adiposity (PR: 3.35 [95% CI: 3.4-5.52; p=0.001]). Similarly, those with greater adherence to the consumption of ultra-processed foods consumption also showed a higher prevalence of abdominal adiposity (PR: 1.004 [95% CI: 1.001-1.006; p=0.001]). Additionally, stress symptoms were associated with a 64% increased risk of greater abdominal adiposity, while higher adherence to ultra-processed foods demonstrated a 10% increase in the risk of abdominal adiposity. Conclusion: The study highlights a bidirectional relationship between stress and abdominal adiposity, emphasizing the impact of stress and poor dietary habits on the health of public security officers. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions focusing on stress management, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes to prevent metabolic and systemic complications and improve the quality of life of these professionals.