Abstract 14896: A Study of the Relationship Between Big Five Personality Traits, Ultra-Processed Diet, and Obesity, and Implications for Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: The incidence of cardiovascular events is progressively higher with ultra-processed food consumption. With 7.5, 13, and 18 weekly servings, cardiovascular disease incidence is 8.1%, 12.2%, and 16.6% (Kouvari, 2021). However, the relationship between Ultra-processed Foods and Big Five personality traits in adolescents is understudied, despite ultra-processed foods now making up over 67% of adolescents' diets (Wang, 2021). Methods: The study collected the data for 342 participants aged 14-19 years in Florida, US. Consumption of ultra-processed food intake was calculated using a combined PIE score (Processed Intake Evaluation score, scale 0-100) averaged for different ultra-processed foods. Additionally, we collected data for each participant on personality domains using the Big-5 Inventory (Rammstedt, 2007). Results: The mean age of participants was 16.4±0.9 years, with 53% females. The participants’ personality was assessed on five dimensions- Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Openness to new experiences. The ultra-processed food intake did not significantly differ between participants on Neuroticism and Extraversion dimensions and was elevated in high Conscientiousness participants characterized as hardworking and diligent (49.9 vs. 40.6, p<0.01) possibly due to the perceived convenience of ultra-processed food. A significantly lower intake of processed food was associated with participants who demonstrated high Agreeableness, characterized by a willingness to cooperate, empathize, and share (45.3 vs. 52.1, p<0.01). Also, participants with high Openness to New Experiences, characterized by curiosity, creativity, and a range of interests, were significantly less likely to consume ultra-processed foods (43.8 versus 50.1, p<0.01). Conclusion: Based on these results, Big Five personality constructs are significantly associated with adolescents' ultra-processed food intake. These findings support the inclusion of Openness and other Big Five personality factors in interventions aiming to curb obesity and ultra-processed food consumption among adolescents to mitigate risk factors and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.