Search Results (152)

Background/Objectives: Limited information exists on how dietary patterns change in adults who experience weight regain vs. those who maintain weight loss after lifestyle interventions. Methods: Five hundred fifty-two adults (60 ± 1.0 years, 33.8 ± 0.4 kg/m²) with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the Look AHEAD Trial achieved ≥ 7% weight loss after Year 1, completed follow-up visits through Year 4, and provided three 134-item food frequency questionnaires. Weight “regain” (WLR) was defined as regaining ≥ 50% of the initial weight lost. Dietary patterns were determined using established DASH diet scores (scale: 0–9) and principal component analysis (PCA; higher scores = more adherent). Repeated measures linear mixed models assessed group and sex differences in dietary patterns. Results: Dietary patterns were similar between groups during weight loss (baseline to Year 1). WLR DASH scores decreased more from Year 1 to Year 4 compared to “maintain” (WLM) (WLR: Y1: 5.66 ± 0.14, Y4: 4.60 ± 0.14; WLM: Y1: 5.49 ± 0.13, Y4: 4.92 ± 0.13; difference-p < 0.01). Of the two PCA-derived dietary patterns, Pattern 1 (vegetable, fruit, and fish) decreased more in WLR (WLR: Y1: 0.12 ± 0.16, Y4: −0.14 ± 0.16, WLM: Y1: 0.06 ± 0.14, Y4: 0.25 ± 0.15; difference-p < 0.01), while Pattern 2 (low-fiber grains and high-fat animal proteins) increased in WLR (WLR: Y1: 0.40 ± 0.11, Y4: 0.61 ± 0.11, WLM: Y1: 0.34 ± 0.10, Y4: 0.21 ± 0.10, difference-p < 0.01). Sex differences showed that only WLR women and WLM men increased sweets from Y1 to Y4 (WLR women Y1: 0.26 ± 0.04, Y4: 0.41 ± 0.04; p < 0.01; WLM men: Y1: 0.23 ± 0.04, Y4: 0.38 ± 0.04; p < 0.01). Conclusions: These data demonstrate that differences in dietary patterns between WLR and WLM emerge after the initial weight loss intervention with some sex differences. This suggests that longer-term shifts in dietary patterns after lifestyle interventions may influence weight loss maintenance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digestive problems are common in the general population and may be influenced by lifestyle, emotional status and diet. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of digestive problems in Spanish adults and examined associated factors. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional analysis of anonymized adult microdata from the 2023 Spanish Health Survey was performed. Data were collected using a mixed-mode design (self-administered web questionnaire with interviewer-administered follow-up). Digestive problems were recoded by combining gastric ulcer, constipation, and prescribed use of laxatives, astringent drugs, and stomach medication. Therefore, digestive problems are primarily defined as the presence of gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Variables included sociodemographic, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8), World Health Organization Well Being Index (WHO-5), and macronutrient intake estimated from a Food-Frequency Questionnaire using the Spanish Food Composition Database (BEDCA). Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression were conducted (95% CI; significance level set at p < 0.05). Results: Of 34,148 participants, 13,518 provided information on digestive problems; among these respondents, 3860 (28.6%) reported having digestive issues. Prevalence ranged from 5.2% to 36.5% among national territories. Higher odds (OR) of digestive problems were associated with age (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.023–1.029), female sex (OR 1.168, 1.070–1.276), non-smoking (OR 1.240, 1.005–1.531) and ex-smoking (OR 1.447, 1.272–1.647) compared to current smokers, higher PHQ-8 scores (OR 1.040, 1.029–1.051), greater protein intake (OR 1.016, 1.009–1.023), consumption of sweet pastries (OR 1.058, 1.039–1.077), and dairy products (OR 1.027, 1.002–1.053); in contrast, lower odds were associated with higher WHO-5 scores (OR 0.985, 0.982–0.987), total fiber intake (OR 0.968, 0.949–0.987), and legume consumption (OR 0.894, 0.856–0.933). Conclusions: Digestive problems show considerable variability in prevalence among survey-based Spanish sample. Digestive problems were associated with older age, female sex, depressive symptoms, high-protein intake, and higher consumption of sweet pastries and dairy products, whereas higher well-being scores, higher fiber intake and legume consumption were associated with lower odds of digestive problems. Full article

Background/Objectives: The growing prevalence of mental health problems among medical students is a global concern, with dietary patterns emerging as potential modifiable factors. This study aimed to explore and evaluate whether higher consumption of ultra-processed foods may be associated with greater symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methods: This was an exploratory cross-sectional study integrated into a previous cohort of medical students, conducted based on the guidelines for Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Sixty-seven medical students completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire-based index. Dietary patterns and the associations between these patterns and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression were assessed statistically. Results: There were differences in the consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and unsweetened juices between groups with/without anxiety or depression (p < 0.05). A higher intake of ultra-processed foods such as pizza, hot dogs, cereals high in fat and sugar, processed beverages and sweets was linked to greater symptoms (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.3–0.7). Three to four dietary patterns were identified, explaining between 60% and 86% of the variance. High consumption of cereals with added fat and sugars increased the risk by 7.4 times (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 1.2–12.2, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dietary intake was associated, but not causally linked, to emotional symptoms among medical students. Lower consumption of unprocessed foods and higher intake of ultra-processed foods formed consistent behavioral profiles associated with anxiety and depression. Consuming more than three daily servings of cereals with added fat and sugar increased the risk of severe depressive symptoms by more than sevenfold, highlighting a strong dietary determinant. Future research should assess nutritional interventions aimed to improve mental health and academic performance in medical students. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity remains a major global health challenge influenced by poor dietary patterns and excessive energy intake. Understanding gender-specific nutritional deviations may improve the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to evaluate differences in energy and nutrient intake between boys and girls with overweight or obesity status and to identify the main food sources contributing to these differences. Methods: Data from a total of 180 participants (83 boys, 97 girls; 7–18 years) attending the national obesity intervention program Camp My Challenge was analyzed. Anthropometric parameters and dietary intake were assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (OPKP). Intakes were compared with Slovenian dietary reference values (DRVs). Group differences were tested using ANOVA, t-tests, and Pearson correlations (p < 0.05). Results: Boys exhibited higher body mass (79.9 ± 22.6 kg vs. 69.2 ± 19.1 kg; p = 0.001) and BMI (30.8 ± 4.8 kg/m² vs. 28.5 ± 4.4 kg/m²; p = 0.001). Mean energy intake was 2543 ± 1138 kcal/day, exceeding DRV by 16% (t = 3.31, p < 0.001). Girls exceeded energy requirements by 24.5% vs. 5.4% in boys (p = 0.019). Boys consumed significantly more total fat (106 ± 61 g vs. 85 ± 47 g; p = 0.014), saturated fatty acids (34 ± 20 g vs. 27 ± 13 g; p = 0.011), protein (119 ± 63 g vs. 98 ± 41 g; p = 0.008), and sodium (3628 ± 2086 mg vs. 2852 ± 1520 mg; p = 0.005). Girls showed higher sugar intake (208% vs. 166% of DRV; p = 0.032), mainly from sweet foods (24%) and fruit (26%), whereas beverages—predominantly isotonic drinks—accounted for 27% of boys’ sugar intake. Sugar intake correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.305, p = 0.002) and fat mass (r = 0.272, p = 0.007) in girls. Sodium intake exceeded DRV sixfold in both sexes. Conclusions: Marked sex-specific dietary disparities exist among children with obesity. Interventions should target high sugar and energy intake in girls and excessive fat, sodium, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in boys to enhance the efficacy of pediatric obesity management. Full article

Background: Energy-dense non-essential snacks are subject to 8% excise tax in Mexico. Objectives: To model the impact on diet quality of (1) replacing energy-dense snacks with pistachios and (2) adding small amounts of pistachios to the diet. Methods: Data came from the Mexico National Health and Nutrition survey (ENSANUT, by its Spanish acronym) 2012 (n = 7132) and 2016 (n = 14,764). Dietary intakes were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Substitution analyses replaced energy-dense snack foods with equicaloric amounts of pistachios (Model 1) or with mixed nuts/seeds (Model 2). Additional analyses (Model 3) added small amounts of pistachios (10–28 g) to the daily diet. Added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat along with protein fiber, vitamins, and minerals were the main nutrients of interest. Dietary nutrient density was assessed using the Nutrient-Rich Food (NRF9.3) Index. Separate modeling analyses were performed for ENSANUT 2012 and 2016 and for children and adults. Results: Energy-dense foods, mostly sweet, accounted for about 20% of daily energy. Modeled diets with pistachios and mixed nuts/seeds were much lower in added sugars (<8% of dietary energy) and in sodium (<550 mg/day) and were higher in protein, fiber, mono- and polyunsaturated fats, potassium, and magnesium (p < 0.05). Significant improvements in dietary quality held across all socio-demographic strata. Adding small amounts of pistachios (10–28 g) to the diet (Model 3) increased calories but also led to better diets and higher NRF9.3 dietary nutrient density scores. Conclusions: Modeled diets with pistachios replacing energy-dense snack foods had less added sugars and sodium and more protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Adding small amounts of pistachios also led to better diets. Pistachios are a healthy snack and can be an integral component of healthy diets. Full article

Background: The family environment and physical activity (PA) levels are known to influence the eating habits of children and adolescents, but it is unclear how different domains of parental PA can affect parent–child associations with eating habits. Methods: This study included 473 participants: 192 children and adolescents (aged between 5 and 17 years), 163 mothers, and 118 fathers. Parental PA was assessed in occupational, sports, and leisure-time/commuting domains. Children’s and parents’ dietary intake was evaluated using a weekly food frequency questionnaire, covering healthy and unhealthy food groups. The mother–child and father–child associations were analyzed using multiple quantile regression. Results: Active mothers in occupational PA showed mother–child associations for fruits, vegetables, and dairy foods, whereas inactive mothers showed associations for fried foods and sweets. In the sports practice domain, active mothers showed mother–child associations for vegetables and red meat consumption, whereas active fathers showed associations for grains and salty snacks consumption. Active mothers in the leisure-time/commuting domain showed mother–child associations for fried foods and red meat consumption, while active fathers showed associations for fruits and salty snacks consumption. Conclusions: Mother–child associations were more consistent across PA domains than father–child associations. Overall, the healthy eating habits of physically active mothers were more strongly linked to the healthy eating patterns of their children. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing public health challenge, with altered taste perception potentially influencing food choices and contributing to weight gain. Objective: To determine detection thresholds for linoleic acid (fat taste) and sucrose (sweet taste) in children aged 6–12 years, and to explore associations with obesity, dietary intake, and food preferences. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 Tunisian children (mean age: 8.05 ± 1.44 years; 54% girls; 45 obese, 55 non-obese) were recruited from an educational support center in Nabeul. Taste sensitivity was evaluated using the 3-alternative forced choice (3-AFC) method with ascending concentrations of linoleic acid (0.018–12.0 mM) for fat taste and sucrose (0.00125–0.32 mol/L) for sweet taste. Participants were categorized as tasters or non-tasters based on detection thresholds. Anthropometric measurements, 24 h dietary recalls, food frequency questionnaires, and food preference assessments were also conducted. Results: Low taste sensitivity was common (93% for sweet, 49% for fat). Girls were more often fat tasters than boys (68.6% vs. 31.4%, p = 0.003). Children with obesity had higher fat taste thresholds (median 3.00 mM, range 0.37–12.0) than non-obese peers (median 1.50 mM, range 0.018–6.0; p = 0.012), indicating reduced fat taste sensitivity. Linear regression showed a significant positive association between fat taste threshold and BMI (p = 0.001), meaning higher detection thresholds corresponded to higher BMI. Sweet taste thresholds did not differ significantly between children with and without obesity (p = 0.731). Sweet non-tasters consumed more sucrose (85.9 ± 64.9 g/d vs. 70.3 ± 62.3 g/d; p = 0.033) and reported more frequent table sugar use (p = 0.047). Fat non-tasters consumed more magnesium (425 ± 414 mg/d vs. 287 ± 60.8 mg/d; p = 0.026) and fiber (22.9 ± 7.51 g/d vs. 20.3 ± 5.32 g/d; p = 0.048) and reported higher intake frequencies of cheese (p = 0.039), sour cream (p = 0.004), and fast food (p = 0.012). Food preferences reflected similar patterns, with non-tasters generally rating high-fat or high-sugar foods more favorably. While most children demonstrated high detection thresholds, girls showed significantly higher fat taste sensitivity compared to boys (p = 0.03). Children with obesity exhibited significantly higher fat taste detection thresholds compared to non-obese children (p = 0.012), with thresholds ranging from 0.37 to 12.0 mM versus 0.018 to 6.0 mM, respectively. No significant difference was observed for sweet taste perception between weight groups (p = 0.731). Conclusions: Nearly half of the children exhibited reduced fat taste sensitivity, which was moderately associated with obesity and positively linked to BMI. Full article

Non-syndromic Orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) are among the most common congenital anomalies globally, yet evidence on maternal dietary and nutritional risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. A matched case–control study with 103 mothers of children with non-syndromic OFCs and 103 control mothers of unaffected children was conducted to assess dietary patterns, food security, and supplement use. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and patterns were identified through principal component analysis. Household food security was measured using the USDA 18-item scale, and periconceptional multivitamin and folic acid use were recorded. Logistic regression models examined the associations. Three major dietary patterns emerged: Sweet and Energy-Dense, Staple Plant-Based, and Animal Protein–Vegetable. Higher adherence to Sweet and Energy-Dense (Highest tertile, T3: OR = 22.27; 95% CI: 8.71–56.91, p < 0.001) and Staple Plant-Based (T3: OR = 4.07; 95% CI: 1.70–9.73, p = 0.002) was associated with increased OFC odds, while the Animal Protein–Vegetable pattern suggested a borderline protective association (T3: OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.19–1.03, p = 0.048). Severe food insecurity was more common among case-mothers (49.5%) than controls (39.8%). Periconceptional use of multivitamins and folic acid was low (<15%) in both groups. These findings highlight the importance of improving maternal diet quality and addressing food insecurity in resource-limited settings. Full article

Background: New tools for monitoring diets, such as the Diet Quality Questionnaire (DQQ), may help reduce the costs and burden associated with traditional methods of diet assessment. However, its proposed sentinel foods require validation in target populations. This study aimed to validate the Chilean sentinel foods and describe the performance of DQQ, as well as its Global Dietary Recommendation (GDR) indicators, in two Chilean cohorts. Methods: We analyzed dietary data from 1418 pregnant women and 799 children using 24 h recalls. Foods and beverages were classified and ranked into 29 DQQ food groups. Food items that accounted for more than 95% of the total consumption within each of the 29 food groups were selected and identified as sentinels. We estimated the proportion of consumers in each food group and calculated the indicators, as well as their relationship with the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Results: The pregnant women had a mean age of 29.1 (SD 6.6), and the children had a mean age of 6.2 (SD 0.5). The sentinel foods of six groups (grain-based sweets, other sweets, salty snacks, deep-fried food, and sweet tea/coffee/cocoa) captured under 95% of the group’s total consumption. The pregnant women had a higher frequency of consumption of staple and healthy foods, and the mean GDR score was 9.3 (SD 2.20). The children had higher consumption of unhealthy food groups, and the mean GDR score was 8.1 (SD 2.05). The GDR-protect scores showed a moderate but statistically significant negative correlation with ultra-processed food consumption (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions: The DQQ is a suitable tool for collecting dietary data to estimate diet quality using food group-based indicators. Additionally, it is possible to identify different dietary patterns at a crucial stage of life, such as childhood and pregnancy. However, it requires some adaptations of sentinel foods and further testing on other populations before it can be implemented to monitor Chilean diets. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns and the risk of developing osteoporosis in women, emphasizing the role of nutrition in bone health during menopause-related hormonal changes. Methods: We conducted a prospective study involving 4865 women aged 40–69 years without osteoporosis at baseline. Dietary information was collected using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and composite-defined osteoporosis (CDO) was defined using self-administered questionnaires and quantitative ultrasound. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was employed to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals to assess the association between dietary patterns and the risk of CDO. Results: During a median follow-up of 8.26 years, 895 and 1525 cases of CDO were reported in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively. Three dietary patterns were identified in premenopausal women: the “Vegetables and Seafood,” “Western,” and “White rice, Meat, and Alcohol” patterns. In postmenopausal women, the “Diverse,” “Plant-based,” and “Sweets and Drinks” patterns were identified. Among premenopausal women, the “White rice, Meat, and Alcohol” pattern was associated with a significantly greater risk of CDO in the highest tertile compared with that in the lowest tertile, whereas no significant patterns were observed in postmenopausal women. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of dietary factors in maintaining bone health, particularly in premenopausal women. Encouraging the reduction in dietary factors associated with an increased osteoporosis risk may help improve bone health and quality of life in women, especially before significant menopause-induced bone loss occurs. This study highlights the need for early dietary interventions to prevent osteoporosis in women. Full article

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Main symptoms include pain in the sacrum, pelvis, and abdomen, occurring at various stages of the menstrual cycle or during intercourse. These symptoms can severely affect daily functioning and quality of life. Methods: The study involved 200 women aged 18–47, divided into two groups. The WHT group (N = 100) included women with endometriosis not receiving hormone therapy, and the HT group (N = 100) included women undergoing hormone treatment. An anonymous questionnaire was used, comprising a VAS, the FFQ-6 food frequency questionnaire, and questions regarding menstruation-related symptoms and effects. Results: Women in the HT group reported higher pain levels (Me = 8.0 vs. 7.0) and more frequent negative impacts on academic/work performance (p = 0.008) than the WHT group, who reported higher work attendance (p = 0.043). In the WHT group, consumption of sugar, honey (p = 0.019), sweet cereals (p = 0.023), and sweetened beverages (p = 0.036) was associated with absences and concentration difficulties (p = 0.010). In contrast, in the HT group, those reporting absences consumed more nuts and vegetables (p = 0.024; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Women with endometriosis undergoing hormone therapy report more severe pain and more frequent disruptions in daily functioning. Both hormone therapy and diet significantly influence the intensity of menstrual symptoms as well as the ability to function professionally and socially. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adequate adolescent nutrition is vital for lifelong health, yet traditional school meal programs often emphasize processed foods. Digital nudges, subtle digital changes, may help promote healthier food choices. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a digital nudge intervention in a smart school canteen on students’ food choices and nutrient intake over three months. Methods: A pre-post single-arm (quasi-experimental) study was conducted among 502 high school students (aged 15–17) in Shenyang, China. In August 2023, the school implemented a smart canteen with a mobile mini-program for meal pre-ordering. Embedded digital nudges included improved visibility of healthy options, nutritional information, and default settings favoring nutritious choices. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day 24 h dietary record and a food frequency questionnaire. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Results: Post-intervention, the weekly consumption frequency of coarse grains (p = 0.017), fruits (p < 0.001), seafood (p < 0.001), and soy products (p < 0.001) significantly increased, while sweets (p = 0.033), sugary drinks (p = 0.015), fast food, and eating out (both p < 0.001) decreased. Daily calcium intake rose from 683.00 mg to 804.11 mg (p < 0.1), and the proportion meeting recommendations increased from 39.3% to 50.9%. No significant change was observed in vitamin C intake (p = 0.192). Conclusions: The digital nudge intervention in the smart school canteen effectively improved students’ dietary choices, particularly increasing the consumption frequency of healthy foods and dietary calcium intake. Full article

Background: Rational dietary patterns and adequate nutritional status support athlete health and performance, while unhealthy habits may impair these outcomes. This study aimed to identify dietary patterns among Polish professional athletes using a food frequency questionnaire and assess their correlations with nutritional status indicators. Methods: Participants included 226 elite Polish athletes (aged 16–39 years; 87 women, 139 men) from various sports disciplines. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified through principal component factor analysis. Nutritional status was evaluated using anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, and selected blood biochemical markers. Spearman’s rho correlations were applied to explore associations between dietary patterns and nutritional status. Results: Eight dietary patterns were identified: ‘High-fat’, ‘Sweets and beverages’, ‘Potentially rational’, ‘Vegetables and fruits’, ‘Meat and flour’, ‘Low-fat’, ‘Dairy’, and ‘Juices’. Of the two patterns considered unhealthy, ‘High-fat’ was associated with anthropometric indices—positively with the slenderness index and negatively with body mass index, particularly among men. Positive correlations with favorable nutritional indicators were observed for the ‘Vegetables and fruits’ pattern (arm muscle circumference, BMI, serum uric acid, hydration status), ‘Low-fat’ (body fat percentage), ‘Dairy’ (serum creatinine), and ‘Juices’ (serum creatinine, total protein, chlorine, uric acid). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the identified dietary patterns are original and specific to Polish professional athletes. Determining the relationships between nutritional factors and anthropometric and biochemical indices may inform dietary modifications among athletes to ensure optimal nutritional status. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major pregnancy complication with rising global prevalence. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has shown metabolic benefits, but total adherence scores may obscure meaningful variation in dietary quality. This study aimed to investigate whether specific dietary patterns, identified within the MD framework, and their glycemic load (GL) are associated with GDM risk. Methods: This prospective cohort is part of the BORN2020 longitudinal study on pregnant women in Greece; dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at two time points (pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy). MD adherence was categorized by Trichopoulou score tertiles. GL was calculated for food groups using glycemic index (GI) reference values and carbohydrate content. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for GDM risk, stratified by MD adherence and time period, controlling for maternal, lifestyle, and clinical confounders. Results: In total, 797 pregnant women were included. Total MD adherence was not significantly associated with GDM risk. However, both food-specific GLs and dietary patterns with distinct dominant foods were predictive. GL from boiled greens/salads was consistently protective (aOR range: 0.09–0.19, p < 0.05). Patterns high in tea, coffee, and herbal infusions before pregnancy were linked to increased GDM risk (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.31–3.02, p = 0.001), as were patterns rich in fresh juice, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and olive oil during pregnancy (aOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.50–6.24, p = 0.003). A pattern dominated by sugary sweets, cold cuts, animal fats, and refined products was inversely associated with GDM (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17–0.64, p = 0.001). A pattern characterized by sugar alternatives was associated with higher risk for GDM (aOR = 4.94, 95% CI: 1.48–19.36, p = 0.014). These associations were supported by high statistical power (power = 1). Conclusions: Within the context of the MD, evaluating both the glycemic impact of specific food groups and identifying risk-associated dietary patterns provides greater insight into GDM risk than overall MD adherence scores alone. Full article

Mindful eating (ME) has gained recognition in multidisciplinary weight management intervention and prevention programs for dysfunctional eating behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of mindful eating with body mass index, fat percentage, unhealthy food consumption, and emotional distress in Mexican college students. A cross-sectional study was performed. Anthropometry and body composition were evaluated. A self-reported Mindful Eating Questionnaire developed for the Mexican population, Food Frequency Questionnaire (frequency and serving size), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were applied. Two separate analyses were conducted: the first used the whole Mexican Mindful Eating Questionnaire with 11 questions (ME-11), and the second excluded the emotional eating items (ME-8). A total of 224 students were included in the analysis. Lower levels of mindful eating were associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), and body fat percentage (p < 0.001), using ME-11 or ME-8. Significant associations were identified between lower levels of mindful eating (ME-11) and consumption of fried foods (p = 0.005), sweets and desserts (p = 0.003), and fast food (p = 0.003). Similar associations were observed using the ME-8 score. In both versions of the questionnaire, depression, anxiety, and stress scores were significantly associated with lower levels of mindful eating. Mindful eating was associated with BMI, body fat, eating habits, and emotional distress. Mindful eating could be used in multidisciplinary educational and intervention programs to promote a healthy lifestyle. Full article