Obesity is a major global health concern, with diet playing a crucial role in its development and treatment. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become prevalent in diets due to changes in the food environment. These foods are energy-dense; high in fat, sugars, or salt; and low in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, raising concerns about their effects on health. In addition to traditional research focused on nutrients, food, and dietary quality, growing evidence has linked UPF consumption to obesity. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive review of the levels and trends of UPF consumption, current epidemiological evidence on the association between UPF consumption and obesity, and UPFs' potential role in the etiology of obesity and weight gain. Additionally, this study reviews strategies for reducing UPF consumption and outlines future studies of the link between UPF consumption and obesity.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.7570/jomes24045 | DOI Listing |
Prev Med Rep
November 2024
Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, United States.
Background: Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is responsible for an increasing proportion of non-communicable diseases and premature mortality. Recognition of the commercial and social determinants of UPF consumption represents an important advance in public health, with implications for interventions that emphasize regulatory policies rather than individual motivation. However, it is important not to lose sight of the motivational mechanisms through which commercial and social determinants exert their effects on unhealthy behavior.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Obes Metab Syndr
January 2025
Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Obesity is a major global health concern, with diet playing a crucial role in its development and treatment. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become prevalent in diets due to changes in the food environment. These foods are energy-dense; high in fat, sugars, or salt; and low in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, raising concerns about their effects on health.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWell-designed effective interventions promoting sustainable diets are urgently needed to benefit both human and planetary health. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of a pilot blended digital intervention aimed at promoting sustainable diets. We conducted a series of ABA n-of-1 trials with baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases over the course of a year, involving twelve participants.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ Open
December 2024
Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between ultraprocessed foods (UPF) consumption, eating disorders (EDs), food addiction and body image concerns.
Design: Systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
Data Sources: Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, LILACS and APA PsycInfo databases, for studies published between 2009 and July 2024.
J Acad Nutr Diet
January 2025
Professor, Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London; 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB.
Introduction: Children's consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) may contribute to inequalities in obesity and wider health. Socioeconomic patterning in younger UK children's UPF intake is unknown.
Objective: To investigate socioeconomic patterning of UK toddlers' (21-months) and children's (7-years) UPF intake across several household and neighbourhood indicators.
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!