Associations between ultraprocessed and minimally processed snacks consumption and overweight/obesity among college students in South Florida

Abstract

Objective Evaluate the association between ultraprocessed and minimally processed snack consumption and overweight/obesity among college students. Participants College students. Methods Cross-sectional study. Participants completed an online survey with questions on socio-demographics, beverages and snacks consumption, and weight status. ANCOVA and logistic regression was used; analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, physical activity, and sleep duration. Results A total of 435 students completed all questions in the survey. Most students were female (73.3%), Hispanics (61.1%), had a mean age of 24.7-year old and 40% had overweight/obesity. Those with overweight/obesity also had higher odds of consuming soft drinks in higher frequency and quantity than those without overweight/obesity (p < .05). Never consuming unsweetened yogurt/cheese and lower frequency and consumption of fruits were associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity (p < .05). Conclusion Higher frequency and consumption of soft drinks while lower frequency and consumption of unsweetened yogurt/cottage cheese and fruits were associated with overweight/obesity.