Total Dietary Polyphenols and Their Components Intake Associated With Quality of Life Among Women With Obesity and Overweight: A Cross-Sectional Study Publisher



Jadidi P ; Mirzababaei A ; Abaj F ; Dehghani A ; Fallah M ; Khosravinia D ; Aali Y ; Mirzaei K
Source: Health Science Reports Published:2026

Abstract

Background and Aims: Overweight and obesity are major public health concerns, adversely affecting physical, psychological, and social aspects of quality of life (QoL). Dietary polyphenols have been shown to improve mental health and may influence body weight management. However, the relationship between dietary polyphenol intake (DPI) and QoL in women with overweight and obesity remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between total and subclass-specific DPI and QoL in this high-risk population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 on a random sample of 391 overweight or obese women (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were taken for all participants. QoL was assessed using the self-administered short form of the SF-36 questionnaire, which includes various components, containing a specific mental health subscale that evaluates psychological well-being, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Dietary intake was assessed using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The required information on the total polyphenol content of food was obtained from the Phenol-Explorer database. Results: After adjustment for age, energy intake, and physical activity using binary logistic regression, higher total dietary polyphenol intake was associated with 2.83 times higher odds of improved general health (95% CI: 1.16–6.92, p = 0.02). Higher flavonoid intake was associated with 3.70 times higher odds of better mental health (95% CI: 1.59–8.59, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Higher total dietary polyphenol intake was associated with better quality of life, encompassing both mental well-being and physical functioning. Flavonoids, lignans, and stilbenes showed positive associations; however, the cross-sectional design limits causal inference. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. © 2026 The Author(s). Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.