Although the shift from traditional to digital food environments has enhanced accessibility and convenience in food purchasing and delivery, emerging evidence suggests that current digital food environments tend to promote energy-dense foods rather than healthier options. Therefore, this commentary aims to highlight the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in shaping a healthier digital food environment and to offer practical recommendations for fostering such an environment in Malaysia. This commentary also emphasises that shaping a healthier digital food environment is not an individual endeavour but a collaborative effort among key stakeholders, including government ministries, platform operators, online food vendors, and platform users.

Obesity is a multifactorial condition arising from complex interactions between genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and behavioural factors. Among the genetic contributors identified through genome-wide association studies, variants within the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene represent some of the most consistently replicated loci associated with body mass index, adiposity, and appetite regulation across populations. Experimental and observational evidence suggests that FTO variants may influence energy intake, food preference, and metabolic pathways through effects on hypothalamic signalling, adipocyte biology, and epigenetic regulation. These findings have stimulated interest in precision nutrition approaches that aim to tailor dietary strategies according to individual genetic profiles. This narrative review critically examines the role of FTO gene variants in polygenic obesity and evaluates the current evidence supporting gene-diet interactions relevant to personalized weight management. We synthesized data from mechanistic studies, observational cohorts, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses to assess whether dietary interventions, including macronutrient composition, mediterranean-style dietary patterns, and discretionary food intake, can meaningfully modify obesity risk in individuals carrying FTO risk alleles. While mechanistic plausibility and observational associations are well established, evidence from intervention studies indicates that genotype-specific responses are generally modest and context-dependent. Overall, current findings support the potential of precision nutrition as a complementary framework rather than a deterministic approach to obesity management. Further large-scale, long-term, and ethnically diverse intervention studies are required to clarify clinical utility and inform evidence-based implementation.

The objective is to describe energy, macro-, and micronutrient intake according to Nova food groups and to estimate its association with ultra-processed foods (UPF) energy participation in the diets of children, stratified by age (6–23m/24–59m). A single 24-hour recall from 12,553 children in the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition was used to estimate the relative energy contribution of Nova groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients (G1+G2); processed foods (G3); and UPF (G4). Age-stratified linear regression and 95%CI assessed differences in nutrient intake (per 1,000kcal) across UPF energy quintiles. The G1+G2 group accounted for most of the energy consumed (6–23m: 74.5%; 24–59m: 65.1%) compared to G3 or G4. For both age groups, in the lowest quintile of UFP participation, ≤2% of energy came from UPF, while in the highest quintile, this proportion was >55%; and the G1+G2 group provided most nutrients. In 6–23m, higher UPF quintiles were associated with lower fat [β: -3.1 (-3.6; -2.5)], potassium [β: -49.7 (-67.9; -31.4)], and vitamin A RAE [β: -113.7 (-136.7; -90.6)] intake, but higher calcium [(β: 75.5 (57.6; 93.4)], iron [β: 2.9 (2.5; 3.3)], vitamin A RE [β: 104.3 (72.3; 136.3)], and folate [β: 15.7 (12.0; 19.5)] intake. In 24–59m, nutrient intake generally decreased with increasing UPF quintiles. For 6–23m/24–59m, UPF consumption was positively associated with energy [β: 73.6 (44.6; 102.7); 92.8 (66.7; 118.8), respectively] and carbohydrate [β: 7.3 (5.8; 8.7); 2.3 (1.2; 3.3), respectively], while contributing little to overall micronutrient intake.

The aim of this review was to examine what existing low FODMAP diet (LFD) trials can tell us about whether reductions in FODMAP intake plausibly explain symptom improvement in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although the LFD is an effective treatment, supported by multiple randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses, the mechanisms through which it exerts its effects remain unclear. Symptom improvement is commonly attributed to reduced FODMAP intake, yet this assumption has rarely been evaluated directly. Using a mediation-informed framework, we examined whether published LFD trials assessed two key elements required to support a mechanistic role for FODMAP intake: whether the intervention altered FODMAP intake (a path), and whether variation in intake was associated with symptom outcomes independent of intervention group (b path). We found that evidence for clinical efficacy has not been matched by equivalent evidence explaining how the diet works. While many trials demonstrate that LFD interventions reduce FODMAP intake, few examine whether differences in intake account for differences in symptom improvement between individuals. As a result, it remains uncertain to what extent symptom benefits are driven by FODMAP reduction itself versus other factors accompanying dietary change. Strengthening future trial design to link dietary intake measurement with mechanistic analysis is essential for informing less restrictive, targeted, and personalised dietary strategies in IBS.

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of nutrition knowledge, nutrition label use and dietary diversity among a sample of university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2023 to April 2024 among undergraduate and postgraduate students. About 428 participants (aged 18–26 years) completed a structured questionnaire containing questions related to their demographic information, nutrition knowledge, nutrition label use, and dietary diversity (consumption of different food categories). Separate logistic regression models identified the main factors associated with nutrition knowledge, nutrition label use and dietary diversity. Approximately 32.5% participants had satisfactory nutrition knowledge and 36.0% were frequent nutrition label users. Female participants were more likely to have satisfactory nutrition knowledge (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.29, 3.26) and use nutrition labels more frequently (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.22, 3.17) than their male counterparts respectively. Around 40% of the participants had a high level of dietary diversity. Students with satisfactory nutrition knowledge (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.41–6.45) and frequent use of nutrition labels (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.35–5.55) had a higher dietary diversity compared to their counterparts. Less than half of Bangladeshi students in this study have adequate nutrition knowledge, label use, and dietary diversity. The findings highlight the importance of implementing nutrition awareness programmes and nutrition education interventions for university students, such as basic food and nutrition knowledge and the use of nutrition labels, to enhance their dietary diversity and health status.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common blood cancers. Despite lengthening survival with modern therapy, it remains largely fatal. Understanding the influence of common modifiable risk factors on MM risk is necessary to inform prevention.

We investigated the association between dietary exposures and MM in a population-based case-control study conducted in Victoria, and NSW, Australia (2010-2016). Incident cases of MM (n=746) were recruited primarily via cancer registries. Controls (n=706) were siblings or spouses of cases.

We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for associations between MM and dietary exposures, including dietary patterns, fish consumption, and a healthy lifestyle index, adjusting for confounders.

Higher scores on a modified version of the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 were associated with reduced risk of MM (mAHEI: OR=0.88, 95%CI=0.78-0.98). There was weaker evidence for reduced risk associated with higher healthful plant-based dietary index score (hPDI: OR=0.91, 95%CI=0.81-1.02). Increased MM risks were observed with higher scores on empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP: OR=1.20, 95%CI=1.07-1.35), empirical dietary indices for hyperinsulinaemia (EDIH: OR=1.15, 95%CI=1.02-1.31), and insulin resistance (EDIR: OR=1.21, 95%CI=1.08-1.37). There was no clear evidence of association with MM risk for fish consumption or a healthy lifestyle index.

We observed an association between adherence to a healthy diet and lower MM risk. While adherence to dietary patterns with the potential to increase insulin levels, insulin resistance, or promote inflammation was associated with increased MM risk. Results of studies assessing dietary intervention for MM prevention could reveal whether dietary modification directly influences MM risk.

Iron deficiency (ID) is a common nutritional disorder, especially among children, women of reproductive age. Detecting ID before it progresses to iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is critical for prevention. This study assessed mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and red cell distribution width (RDW) as complete blood count (CBC) based markers for early non-anaemic iron deficiency (NAID). We retrospectively analysed records of children aged 2 months to 6 years who underwent regular general health checks at Fujian Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital between July 2022 and July 2024, ID was defined by serum ferritin < 15 µg/L. Children with thalassemia, inflammatory conditions (CRP > 5 mg/L), or incomplete data were excluded. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between CBC indices and ID. Model discrimination was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and externally validated using NHANES (August 2021-August 2023, Cycle 12) data. A total of 2,018 children were included (training: n = 1,413, testing: n = 605; external validation: n = 232). MCH (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.52-0.76; p < 0.001) and RDW (OR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.16-1.79; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of ID. The model showed consistent performance, with AUCs of 0.77 (training), 0.81 (testing), and 0.87 (validation). MCH and RDW are practical markers for early NAID detection in Chinese and US children, offering a valuable tool for any setting with an automated haematology analyser, particularly when access to advanced iron studies is restricted.

A high sodium intake is a major risk factor for raised blood pressure. Consumption of fish fillet is associated with lower blood pressure in humans and other animals, whereas the effects of consuming fish residuals are less explored. To obtain high-quality fishmeal with acceptable sensory properties, the fish residuals may be washed with seawater onboard factory trawlers. This will increase the sodium content in the residuals, and whether this affects blood pressure has not yet been investigated. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate if the increased sodium content in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) residuals after washing with saltwater affected the development of high blood pressure in male obese Zucker fa/fa rats which spontaneously develop hypertension. Rats were fed diets containing cod protein powders prepared from unwashed or saltwater-washed backbone or head fractions (n 6/group) as 25% of total protein with the remaining 75% as casein, or casein as the sole protein source (Control group, n 6) for six weeks. Blood pressure was measured on day 0 and 40. The diets containing backbone protein powder, independent of whether this fraction was washed with saltwater or not, attenuated the blood pressure increase compared to the Control group, whereas diets containing washed or unwashed head protein powder did not affect the blood pressure development. To conclude, a diet containing cod backbone protein powder attenuated the blood pressure increase in obese Zucker fa/fa rats, and this effect was not compromised by the higher sodium content in backbones washed with saltwater.

Puppetry-based activities could serve as a low cost and manageable intervention in improving health-related outcomes. This review aims to identify the research to date and gaps in practice of the role and application of puppetry interventions in nutrition education. A scoping review was conducted using the PICOS framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, identifying studies across eight databases between January, 1980 and July, 2025.Twenty-five studies were identified, with the majority (n = 19) aimed at pre-school and school-aged children. Fifteen studies used quasi-experimental, pre–post designs. The use of hand and finger puppets was common, as well as videos and puppet theatre. Studies reported consistently positive findings in knowledge gain and psychosocial involvement, but mixed results on behaviour change. Little is known about the rationale for the type of puppet used, the scripts, and what audience was targeted for nutrition intervention messaging. Research could be undertaken to give more insight into matching what type of puppet to use to match the nature, scope, and extent of the educational message. Reports and recommendations in this review showed that participant engagement is a common and important objective. The gaps of knowledge in use of puppetry in nutrition education are many, thus creating opportunities for further evaluations and research, particularly in utilising what seems to be a manageable intervention within health promotion and disease prevention programmes. Puppetry can be a low cost, flexible, and easy to manage adjunct to nutrition education activities, providing culturally appropriate messaging with a range of audiences.

Body composition and fat distribution were found to display differential effects on the incidence and mortality of chronic disease. However, it remained unclear whether there is an interaction between lifestyle factors and genetic susceptibility on body composition and fat distribution. This study investigated the associations of lifestyle and genetic factors with body composition and fat distribution among 121,664 women from the UK Biobank cohort study. Women with a favorable lifestyle had lower body mass index (BMI, –7.72% [95% CI: –7.93%, –7.51%]), fat mass index (FMI, –15.70% [95% CI: –16.09%, –15.30%]), fat-free mass index (FFMI, –2.86% [95% CI: –2.98%, –2.74%]), arm fat ratio (AFR, –5.19%, [95% CI: –5.38%, –5.00%]), and trunk fat ratio (TFR, –0.73%, [95% CI: –0.84%, –0.62%]), but higher leg fat ratio (LFR, 2.30% [95% CI: 2.16%, 2.44%]) than those with an unfavorable lifestyle. Significant interactions between lifestyle factors and genetic susceptibility on BMI, FMI, and AFR were observed (Pinteraction < 0.05). Among women with a high genetic susceptibility to body composition or fat distribution, those with a healthy lifestyle still had a lower BMI, FMI, FFMI, AFR, and TFR, and higher LFR (Ptrend < 0.001). Women who adhere to a favorable lifestyle tend to have healthy body composition and fat distribution and this association is consistent across all strata of genetic risk.

Normal reference values for body composition and physical performance measures are needed in order to determine cut-off values for suboptimal health such as obesity and related cardiometabolic diseases, and/or sarcopenia. Few studies have provided comparative normative reference ranges across different populations. We compare several body composition and physical performance measures between older Hong Kong Chinese and Canadians to derive and contrast their respective reference values.

17451 older adults from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) and 4000 from the Hong Kong Mr. and Ms. Osteoporosis (Os) cohort aged 65 years and over were included to derive reference values for walking speed, grip strength, 5-times chair stand test (CST), percentage body fat (PBF), weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and Conicity Index (C-index), stratified by age and sex.

Overall normal reference values for Hong Kong males were higher compared with Canadians, particularly in younger age groups. The observations were reversed for females. Not surprisingly, Canadians have higher body weight and body mass index compared with Hong Kong older adults. Older Canadian males also have a higher percentage body fat and waist-hip ratio, compared with Hong Kong Older males. When fat distribution was compared, Hong Kong Chinese females have higher conicity index- indicating greater central fat distribution compared with Canadian females.

Normative reference values are best derived in the context of ethnicity and geographic regions, when used in relation to health assessments requiring physical performance measures and body composition.

Creatine monohydrate is a widely used supplement to improve physical performance and strength. Recent studies suggest it may also benefit cognitive function and depression treatment. However, data on its effects in older adults are scarce, highlighting the need for further research in this population. This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing five weeks of creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation combined with physical training in older adults (≥75 years). Participants will be divided into four groups: placebo (PL), placebo with multicomponent training (PL + MT), creatine monohydrate supplementation (CrM), and creatine monohydrate with multicomponent training (CrM + MT). Evaluations will be conducted before, during, and after the intervention, and again after a five-week washout period. The training program includes supervised sessions twice a week over four weeks, focusing on resistance, cardiovascular, balance, reaction, and agility exercises. Functional capacity and fall risk will be measured, alongside physical tests such as handgrip strength and one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests for leg press, bench press, seated row, and leg extension. Cognitive and emotional assessments will also be conducted during the intervention. The results of this study aim to increase our understanding of the effects of CrM supplementation in older adults. This study is expected to generate valuable information on the impact and safety of this nutrition and exercise strategy, and its application can be extended to a variety of health conditions.

Shift work is associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, largely due to circadian misalignment, irregular meal patterns, and suboptimal diet quality. Chrononutrition, which focuses on aligning nutrient intake with circadian rhythms, has emerged as a promising strategy to improve metabolic health. Protein intake plays a key role in glucose homeostasis, and high-protein hypocaloric diets have shown benefits in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of higher evening protein intake in shift workers remain unclear. This trial aims to analyze the effect of three hypocaloric diets differing in macronutrient composition and distribution throughout the day on glycemic control, body composition, and other secondary outcomes in shift workers with overweight or obesity and prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. This is a 12-week, three-arm, parallel-group, single-blind randomized controlled trial including 126 shift workers. Participants are randomized equally to: (A) a high-protein diet with protein-enriched dinner (50–60% of daily protein); (B) a high-protein diet with protein-restricted dinner (10–20% of daily protein); or (C) a normoproteic control diet with usual protein distribution. Primary outcomes include changes in glycemic control and DXA-derived body composition. Secondary outcomes are lipid profile, sleep quality, and quality of life. Other clinical and lifestyle parameters are evaluated to monitor changes throughout the intervention. Assessments are performed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. All analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle. This study will provide new evidence on how evening protein intake may influence metabolic health in populations exposed to circadian disruption.

The role of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially linoleic acid (LA) in adiposity, remains contested. While clinical interventions suggest improved body composition with higher LA intake, observational evidence using dietary data is inconsistent, and few studies consider circulating fatty acids or longitudinal changes in adiposity. Using multivariable linear models, we evaluated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between omega-6 PUFAs and waist circumference (WC), weight, and whole-body fat mass (FM) in the UK Biobank Cohort. Cross-sectionally (N=272,587, 54% female, mean age 57 years), higher circulating LA was inversely associated with WC, weight, and FM. Participants in the highest versus lowest quintile of LA had significantly smaller WC [–11.04 (–11.17, –10.91) cm], lower weight [–11.77 (–11.92, –11.62) kg], and lower FM [–7.87 (–7.97, –7.77) kg]. Associations for total omega-6 were generally consistent with those for LA. Conversely, non-LA omega-6 was positively associated with WC [1.46 (1.32, 1.61) cm], weight [2.41 (2.25, 2.58) kg], and FM [1.81 (1.69, 1.92) kg]. Longitudinal analyses (N=58,335, 51% female, mean age 55 years) largely corroborate these patterns, with annual changes in WC, weight, and FM inversely associated with LA and positively associated with non-LA omega-6. Higher circulating LA, but not non-LA omega-6, was associated with lower WC, weight, and FM both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Our findings potentially support dietary recommendations to promote LA-rich oils. Divergent associations between LA and non-LA omega-6 caution against treating omega-6 PUFAs as a homogenous group. Examining distinct health effects of individual non-LA omega-6 are warranted.

Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries and disproportionately affecting children under five. Eggs, given their high nutrient density and relative physical or economic accessibility, have been tested for their effect on improving nutritional outcomes in children under five. However, findings from scientific exercises to test the impact of egg-based trials on child growth have not been systhematically pooled and synthesised. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to synthesise evidence on the impact of egg-based interventions on the nutritional status of children underfive as determined by weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ), weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), and height-for-age z-score (HAZ). Research articles of randomised controlled trials published between 2013 and 2023 were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Index Medicus data bases. Articles evaluated the effect of egg-based interventions against alternative diets, behaviour-change education, or no alternative intervention were included. Primary outcomes are WHZ, WAZ, and HAZ. Random-effects models were used to pool effect sizes (mean difference), and subgroup analyses and meta-regression explored sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Seven studies involving 3673 children met the inclusion criteria. Egg-based intervention significantly improved WAZ (MD: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11–0.55) and WHZ (MD: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12–0.48). However, no significant effect was observed on HAZ (MD: 0.05; 95% CI: –0.05–0.14). It is figuredout that egg-based interventions can improve weight-related nutritional outcomes (WHZ and HAZ) among children underfive in sub-Saharan Africa, but not linear growth (HAZ).

This longitudinal, prospective, multicenter observational cohort study investigates the associations between maternal nutritional status—assessed using the first trimester SIMPLE score and pregestational BMI—and fetal growth trajectories and velocity, as proxies for intrauterine development. Healthy women with singleton pregnancies undergoing first trimester screening were enrolled. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle was evaluated using the SIMPLE score, categorizing participants into low (<6) and high (≥6) adherence groups. Fetal growth parameters - including biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), estimated fetal weight (EFW)- were assessed during second and third trimester ultrasounds, and birth outcomes were recorded. Multi-adjusted linear mixed models examined associations between SIMPLE score groups, individual score items, pregestational BMI, and fetal growth, with analyses stratified by fetal sex. Out of 938 enrolled women, 109 (11.6%) were classified as the low adherence group. Multi-adjusted linear mixed models showed that low adherence was associated with decreased EFW acceleration from the second to the third trimester. Stratification by fetal sex confirmed the association only among male fetuses. Analysis of pregestational BMI and individual SIMPLE score items revealed significant positive associations between pregestational BMI, AC, and EFW growth velocity, and a negative association between first trimester hemoglobin [>110 g/l] and EFW growth velocity. Overall, these findings confirm the clinical utility of the SIMPLE score, demonstrating significant associations with intrauterine growth trajectories and velocity, independent of other markers of nutritional status (e.g., pregestational BMI).

Elevated LDL-cholesterol concentration is a major risk factor for CVD. Regular consumption of marine fish and seafood is associated with a reduced risk of CVD, although the n-3 PUFAs EPA and DHA have no cholesterol-lowering effect when given in physiologically relevant doses. Recent studies have demonstrated a lower LDL-cholesterol concentration in rodents after intake of cetoleic acid (CA, C22:1n-11), found in pelagic fish species such as herring. The primary aim was to investigate the effect of consuming capsules containing CA on LDL-cholesterol concentration in adults with overweight or obesity. The study was designed as a randomised clinical trial with two arms. Eighty participants were enrolled, and data from 75 participants were included in the statistical analyses. Participants consumed capsules containing either a CA concentrate (CECO group; 1480 mg CA and 232 mg EPA per day) or soyabean oil mixed with a n-3 PUFA concentrate without CA as comparator arm (SOYO3 group; 258 mg EPA/day) for eight weeks. The within-group changes in LDL-cholesterol were compared using ANCOVA with changes in body fat percentage as covariate. The LDL-cholesterol concentration was decreased from baseline to 8 weeks in the CECO group (n 37, median -0.1 (quartiles -0.1, 0.0) mmol/L) in comparison to the SOYO3 group (n 38, median 0.2 (quartiles 0.1, 0.2) mmol/L), with F=19.35, P=0.033 and ηp2 = 0.212, corresponding to approximately 7% reduction in the CECO group relative to the SOYO3 group. To conclude, 8 weeks of dietary supplementation with CECO decreased the LDL-cholesterol concentration in adults with overweight or obesity.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders, often exacerbated by chronic inflammation. This study aims to investigate the effects of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), a measure of the inflammatory potential of diet, on cardiometabolic risk factors in women with PCOS. We hypothesized positive associations between DII and adverse cardiometabolic profile in PCOS. In this case-control study, thirty-eight women with PCOS (mean age 21.6 years, BMI 26.3 kg/m2) and 39 age- and BMI-matched healthy controls (mean age 21.2 years, BMI 25.9 kg/m2) were included. Clinical, hormonal and biochemical assessments were conducted. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire to calculate DII. Women with PCOS exhibited significantly higher fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and a more adverse lipid profile compared to healthy controls, indicating increased cardiometabolic risk. These differences remained significant after adjusting for the DII, suggesting they are primarily attributable to PCOS, as shown by ANCOVA analysis. In contrast, higher TyG, CMI, and VAI values observed in the PCOS group were largely explained by DII. Furthermore, DII was positively associated with anthropometric and biochemical markers, including waist-to-hip ratio, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and cardiovascular risk indices, indicating that higher dietary inflammation is linked to poorer cardiometabolic health in women with PCOS. A pro-inflammatory dietary pattern, reflected by a higher DII score, is associated with unfavorable cardiometabolic risk factors in women with PCOS. These findings underscore the importance of dietary inflammation in the pathophysiology of PCOS and support anti-inflammatory dietary strategies to mitigate associated risks.

The aim is to examine the relationship between factors thought to potentially influence weight gain, such as sustainable nutrition (SN) behavior and plate clearing tendency (PCT) during pregnancy, and gestational weight gain (GWG). This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 340 women in the last trimester of pregnancy. Study data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire form between October-December 2024. PCT is lower among younger women, those with low income and those with insufficient GWG (p<0.05). SN behaviors are higher in those who are older, have higher education levels, lower income and moderate physical activity (p<0.05). A negative correlation was found between food preference, a component of SN behaviors, and GWG (p<0.05). In the binary logistic regression model, higher pre-pregnancy BMI significantly increased the likelihood of excessive GWG (OR=1.49, 95% CI:1.332–1.665, p<0.001), whereas high physical activity was found to be protective against excessive GWG (OR=0.214, 95% CI:0.061–0.747, p=0.016). It was determined that pre-pregnancy BMI was higher and physical activity was lower in those with excessive GWG, in addition, food preference, one of the factors of SN behavior, affected weight gain. Food preference can be considered as a factor that may affect GWG.