Dietary component

Observed health effects

Proposed mechanisms

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)

Weight gain, increased T2D and CHD risk

Positive energy balance, glycemic excursions, hepatic de novo lipogenesis

Saturated fat

Insulin resistance, visceral adiposity

Adipose tissue inflammation, PPAR‑γ activation

High-fat, low-fiber diet

Systemic chronic inflammation (SCI)

Gut dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, endotoxemia

Ultra-processed foods

Obesity, metabolic syndrome

Reduced satiety signaling, altered gut microbiota composition