Usual consumption of ultra-processed foods and its association with sex, age, physical activity, and body mass index in adults living in Brasília City, Brazil.

Clíslian Luzia Da Silva,Alessandra Gaspar Sousa,Lara Pereira Saraiva Leão Borges,Teresa Helena Macedo Da Costa

doi:10.1590/1980-549720210033

Clíslian Luzia Da Silva, Alessandra Gaspar Sousa + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-549720210033

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Journal: Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia	Publication Date: Jan 1, 2021
Citations: 10	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Universidade de Brasília

Abstract

To evaluate the usual consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and its association with body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), age, and sex in adults living in Brasília City, Brazil. A total of 506 individuals aged ≥ 20 years old were interviewed. Dietary intake was assessed with two non-consecutive 24-h food recalls. The distributions of usual intakes of energy and the amount of UPF were estimated using the Iowa State University method. The association of age, BMI, PA, and sex with the proportions of UPF consumption (%Kcal and %grams) was investigated with linear regression models. UPF represented 9.2% of the total dietary consumption (grams/day) and 25% of total energy intake. Compared to eutrophic, subjects with obesity consumed a higher percentage of UPF in grams, whereas subjects with overweight had a higher percentage of UPF in kilocalories. The share of UPF in energy intake was lower in male than female individuals, and PA and age were inversely associated with UPF consumption. Careful monitoring of intake of UPF is recommended. Its consumption should be reduced among people with overweight/obesity and sedentary individuals. Appropriate choices for methods to evaluate the usual distribution of intake will strengthen future analysis of UPF assessment.

Highlights

Objective: To evaluate the usual consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and its association with body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), age, and sex in adults living in Brasília City, Brazil
Worldwide prevalence of obesity has increased during recent years and has been in part attributed to increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF)[1]
Considering the relation between the consumption of UPF and overweight/obesity and the lack of studies that considered the usual intake to evaluate the consumption of UPF, the present study provides information related to the usual consumption of UPF and factors associated in a specific population

Summary

Introduction

Worldwide prevalence of obesity has increased during recent years and has been in part attributed to increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF)[1]. UPF and drinks are defined as industrial formulations manufactured from substances derived from foods or synthesized from other organic sources, with chemical additives such as color stabilizers, flavor enhancers, sugar-free sweeteners, and preservatives. They are ready to consume or ready to heat, requiring little or no culinary preparation and presenting excessive energy density, high free sugars, unhealthy fats and salt, and low dietary fibers[1,2]. In Brazil, an increase in the caloric share of UPF in the diet was observed from 1987 to 2009 and was found in all socioeconomic strata[3]

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