Examining the Effects of Fast Foods on Blood Glucose, Lipid Profiles, and Abdominal Fat Accumulation in Experimental Rats

Abstract

Consuming fast food has been connected to metabolic diseases like dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and obesity. Using an experimental rat model, this study assesses how different fast-food diets affect lipid metabolism, blood glucose regulation, and the accumulation of abdominal fat. Ten experimental diet (n = 12 each), monitoring (n=12) and a control (n = 12) groups were randomly assigned to 156 male albino rats. Over 12 weeks, the experimental groups were given various fast-food-based diets classified as either meat- or non-meat-based. Fasting blood glucose (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), accumulation of white fat, and organ weights were measured. ANOVA and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the data to determine statistical significance (p<0.05). FBS was significantly higher in rats consuming fast-food diets than controls, with the nMPL3 diet group exhibiting the highest final FBS (116.01 mg/dL, p=0.021). Dyslipidemia was evident, with elevated TC (98.75 mg/dL in nPCF1, p=0.014) and TG (117.46 mg/dL in PAS4N, p=0.069), along with reduced HDL-C in some groups. White fat accumulation correlated positively with FBS (r=0.465, p<0.01), indicating increased insulin resistance. Notably, the PAS4N diet (popcorn-based) had the lowest FBS (71.09 mg/dL), suggesting a protective metabolic effect. Increased adiposity, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia are among the metabolic disorders brought on by fast food diets, especially those high in refined fats and carbohydrates. The study emphasizes the necessity of dietary changes to lessen the negative consequences of eating fast food.