Kokturk, Seda NurTas Yildirim, EsraYardimci, Hulya2026-09-012026-09-0120260007-070X1758-4108http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-10-2025-1393https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12403/8497PurposeThis study aimed to examine the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) across different body mass index (BMI) categories in women.Design/methodology/approachA total of 480 women aged 20-49 years participated in the study between May 2024 and May 2025 in 3 cities in T & uuml;rkiye. PMS symptoms were assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and UPF intake was evaluated according to the NOVA classification using a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, including height and body weight, were taken by researchers, and BMI was calculated for each participant.FindingsThe mean BMI of the participants was 24.2 +/- 4.9 kg/m2, with an average daily UPF intake of 858.0 +/- 133.3 g. Higher UPF intake was significantly associated with increased reporting of PMS, with 7.0% higher odds among normal-weight women, 19.0% higher odds among overweight women, and 41.0% higher odds among women with obesity. Moreover, as UPF consumption increased from the lowest (Q1) to the highest quartile (Q4), the odds of experiencing PMS symptoms were 2.65 times (OR: 2.65, %95 CI: 1.52-4.61), 2.85 times (OR: 2.85, %95 CI:1.60-4.95), and 3.07 times (OR: 3.07, %95 CI: 1.71-5.49) higher, respectively (p = 0.001).Research limitations/implicationsThese findings underscore a significant association between UPF consumption and PMS symptoms, particularly among women with obesity. Given the high prevalence of PMS and its substantial impact on women's well-being, dietary interventions aimed at reducing UPF intake may represent a promising approach for PMS management and prevention.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the relationship between UPF intake and self-reported PMS presence across different BMI categories.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessUltra-Processed FoodsBody Mass IndexObesityPremenstrual SyndromeNutritionArticle10.1108/BFJ-10-2025-13932-s2.0-105037471711Q1WOS:001731676000001Q1