Consumption of Processed Foods and Metabolic Risk Indicators Among Youths in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The increasing ubiquity of ultra-processed foods in Nigerian urban food environments poses a growing threat to metabolic health among young adults. This study investigates the patterns of processed food consumption and their associations with metabolic risk indicators among youths aged 18 to 35 years in Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt City local government areas, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. The oil-driven economic activity of Port Harcourt has accelerated the adoption of fast food culture and convenience food consumption among its young population. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 260 participants recruited through cluster sampling at tertiary institutions and community centres. Processed food consumption was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire categorising foods based on the NOVA classification system. Metabolic risk indicators measured included fasting blood glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure, and body mass index. A 24-hour dietary recall complemented frequency data with quantitative estimates of ultra-processed food contribution to total energy intake. Findings are expected to reveal that a high proportion of total energy derives from ultra-processed foods, and that this proportion is significantly associated with elevated waist circumference and fasting glucose. The study contributes to evidence-based public health nutrition messaging targeting youth dietary behaviour in South South Nigeria. Keywords: ultra-processed foods, metabolic risk, youths, Port Harcourt, NOVA classification.