ASSOCIATION OF ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD CONSUMPTION, PHYSICAL INACTIVITY, AND STRESS WITH LOW-GRADE INFLAMMATION IN ADULTS AGED 18–45 YEARS

Background: Low-grade inflammation (LGI) is a persistent, subclinical immune response linked to the pathogenesis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. Unlike acute inflammation, LGI is primarily influenced by lifestyle-related factors including dietary choices, physical inactivity, chronic psychological stress, and poor sleep. As NCD prevalence continues to rise in low- and middle-income countries, understanding the modifiable behavioral contributors to LGI is vital for developing preventive public health strategies. Objective: To assess the association between lifestyle-related factors—specifically ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, physical inactivity, psychological stress, sleep duration—and symptoms of low-grade inflammation among young to middle-aged adults in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 adults aged 18–45 years at Superior University and CMA Hospital, Lahore. Convenience sampling was used. A structured, self-administered 30-item questionnaire was employed to collect data on dietary habits, physical activity levels, stress perception, sleep patterns, and self-reported LGI symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, muscle stiffness, and sudden weight gain. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and categorized based on WHO standards. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0, and chi-square tests were applied to examine associations between variables, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Of the participants, 91.5% consumed sweets weekly, 70% reported high-fat food intake, and 69.5% regularly ate home-cooked meals. Moderate to severe stress levels were observed in 63%, and 70% did not engage in regular physical activity. LGI symptoms showed significant associations with low fruit intake (p=0.010), low dairy intake (p=0.043), poor sleep (p=0.000), high stress (p=0.025), and joint pain (p=0.001). Conclusion: Lifestyle patterns involving processed food consumption, inactivity, and chronic stress contribute significantly to the manifestation of low-grade inflammation symptoms. Public health interventions promoting balanced diets, stress reduction, and active living are essential to mitigating LGI and its related health risks.