Ultra-processed Food Intake Research Articles

Association between processed and ultra-processed food intake and the risk of breast cancer: a case-control study.

Results from studies investigating the association between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and breast cancer are scarce and, in some cases, contradictory. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between the intake of processed foods (PFs) and UPFs with the risk of breast cancer in Iranian women. The present case (n = 133) - control (n = 266) study was carried out at two general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the participants' dietary intake. Also, the NOVA classification was used to identifyPFs and UPFs. The association between PFs and UPFs with the odds of breast cancer was analyzed using logistic regression models. According to Model 1 of conditional logistic regression, the odds of breast cancer were higher in the last tertile of UPFs than in the first tertile (odds ratio (OR) = 1.930; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.080-3.449). In Model 2, no significant association was observed between the second and last tertiles of PFs and UPFs with the odds of breast cancer compared to the reference tertile. Also based on menopause status, the odds of breast cancer increased in the last tertile only among premenopausal women in Model 2 (OR = 3.656; 95% CI: 1.326-10.079). This study demonstrated that higher consumption of UPFs is associated with higher odds of breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Ultra-processed foods and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence in RaNCD project: a prospective cohort study.

Following rapid population growth and urbanization, global ultra-processed food consumption levels have increased. Additionally, type 2 diabetes mellitus, a non-communicable disease, is affecting one-tenth of the people worldwide. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in different scenarios in a prospective cohort study in the western part of Iran. The RaNCD cohort includes 10,047 participants aged 35 to 65; we included participants susceptible to diabetes at enrolment with follow-up data. We used the widely accepted Nova classification to define ultra-processed foods. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used as the main model; furthermore, the Cox model with different adjustments and the logistic regression model were used as sensitive analysis to evaluate the association between ultra-processed foods consumption and type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 8827 participants with a mean age of 46.92y, a mean follow-up time of 7.1y, and a mean daily ultra-processed food intake of 87.69g were included. During the follow-up phases, we included 255 incidences of type 2 diabetes mellitus cases. After adjusting for confounders in the primary model, including age, gender, residence type, socioeconomic status, physical activity, body mass index, and familial history of diabetes despite the elevated hazard ratio of 1.08 (0.75, 1.55) in the fourth quartile compared to the first quartile, the P-value was insignificant (p-value = 0.665); p for trend in the UPF quartiles was also insignificant. Our study has shed light on the association between ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, further investigations are necessary to confirm or refute the UPFs/T2DM association.

Ultra-processed food intake in toddlerhood and mid-childhood in the UK: cross sectional and longitudinal perspectives.

(i) Characterize ultra-processed food (UPF) intakes in toddlerhood and mid-childhood, including identifying principal UPF sub-groups and associations with nutrient profile; (ii) explore stability and change in UPF intake between toddlerhood and mid-childhood. Data were from children in the UK Gemini twin cohort at 21 months (n = 2,591) and 7 years (n = 592) of age. UPF intakes were estimated using diet diaries and Nova classification. Complex samples general linear or logistic regression models were used to explore associations between UPF intake, UPF sub-groups and nutrients, and changes in intake over time. The contribution of UPF to total energy was 46.9% (± 14.7) at 21 months and 59.4% (± 12.5) at 7 years. Principal UPF sub-groups were yogurts, higher-fiber breakfast cereals, and wholegrain breads in toddlerhood, and puddings and sweet cereal products and white breads in mid-childhood. At both ages, mean free sugar and sodium intakes exceeded recommended maximums and higher UPF consumption was associated with consuming more of each nutrient (P < 0.001). UPF intake was negatively associated with fat, saturated fat and protein intake in toddlerhood, and fiber intake in mid-childhood (P < 0.001). Being in the highest UPF intake quintile in toddlerhood was predictive of being in the highest quintile in mid-childhood (OR 9.40, 95%CI 3.94-22.46). UPF accounted for nearly half of toddlers' energy, increasing to 59% in mid-childhood. Higher UPF consumers had higher intakes of free sugar and sodium. UPF intake in toddlerhood was predictive of mid-childhood intake. Effective policies are needed to reduce UPF intakes in the early years.

Association Between Ultra-processed Food Intake and Cognitive Performance in Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline

Association Between Ultra-processed Food Intake and Cognitive Performance in Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline

Kidney Function and Ultra-processed Food Intake among Older Puerto Rican Adults Living in Boston

Kidney Function and Ultra-processed Food Intake among Older Puerto Rican Adults Living in Boston

The association of ultra-processed food intake with adolescent metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in the NHANES.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become a major public health concern. A thorough analysis of the link between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and MASLD in the adolescent population is lacking. Adolescent participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pre-pandemic cohort were included. Different controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) cut-offs were used to assess MASLD. The percentage energy intake of UPF, categorized according to the NOVA classification, to total energy intake was taken as the main outcome marker. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to better quantify the causal connection between UPF and liver steatosis. UPF consumption constituted a median 75% (62-86) of total energy intake. There was no significant correlation between UPF intake and CAP (ρ = 0.061, p = 0.091). The median proportion UPF intake was not associated with steatosis severity. SEM similarly yielded a weak and non-significant correlation of 0.078. In participants with MASLD, total energy intake was significantly higher (p < 0.001) and sugar-containing beverage (SCB) consumption showed a non-significant trend towards higher consumption. No clinically relevant association between UPF intake and MASLD in adolescents could be demonstrated. Our results nonetheless suggest that total energy intake and consumption of SCBs are important contributors to paediatric obesity and MASLD.

Association of Ultraprocessed Foods Intake with Untargeted Metabolomics Profiles in Adolescents and Young Adults in the DONALD Cohort Study

BackgroundHigh consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) continues to draw significant public health interest because of the associated negative health outcomes. Metabolomics can contribute to the understanding of the biological mechanisms through which UPFs may influence health. ObjectivesTo investigate urine and plasma metabolomic biomarkers of UPF intake in adolescents and young adults. MethodsWe used data from the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed study to investigate cross-sectional associations of UPF intake with concentrations of urine metabolites in adolescents using 3d weighed dietary records (3d-WDR) and 24-h urine samples (n = 339), and associations of repeatedly assessed UPF intake with concentrations of circulating plasma metabolites in young adults with 3–6 3d-WDRs within 5 y preceding blood measurement (n = 195). Urine and plasma samples were analyzed using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Biosample-specific metabolite patterns (MPs) were determined using robust sparse principal components analysis. Multivariable linear regression models were applied to assess the associations of UPF consumption (as a percentage of total food intake in g/d) with concentrations of individual metabolites and MP scores. ResultsThe median proportion of UPF intake was 22.0% [interquartile range (IQR): 12.3, 32.9] in adolescents and 23.2% (IQR: 16.0, 31.6) in young adults. We identified 42 and 6 UPF intake-associated metabolites in urine and plasma samples, respectively. One urinary MP, “xenobiotics and amino acids” [β = 0.042, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.014, 0.070] and 1 plasma MP, “lipids, xenobiotics, and amino acids” (β = 0.074, 95% CI: 0.031, 0.117) showed positive association with UPF intake. Both patterns shared 29 metabolites, mostly of xenobiotic metabolism. ConclusionsWe identified urine and plasma metabolites associated with UPF intake in adolescents and young adults, which may represent some of the biological mechanisms through which UPFs may influence metabolism and health.

Awareness, experiences, and beliefs related to ultra-processed foods among young people in Cebu, Philippines

Ultra-processed food (UPF) intake is rising in low- and middle-income countries, where non-communicable diseases are now the leading contributor to disease burden. The purpose of this study was to assess awareness and knowledge of UPFs, factors that influence consumption of UPFs, and beliefs about the relationship between UPF intake and health among young people (18–20 years old) in a metropolitan area of the Philippines, a lower middle-income country. We conducted eight focus group discussions across four strata defined by gender and urban-rural neighborhood designation. We applied deductive and inductive codes to transcripts and organized codes into themes. Sixty participants were included in the study. Although most were unfamiliar with the concept of UPFs, participants demonstrated an intuitive understanding of the meaning of the term. Vendors in or around schools were commonly reported as a source of UPFs, though most participants reported consuming UPFs at home as well. Factors that were reported as having influence over participants’ UPF intake included taste, convenience, cost, influence from parents, peers, and others, and health knowledge and status. Participants expressed various beliefs about the link between overconsumption of UPFs and risk of multiple health outcomes, including diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. Some males, but not females, believed that some UPFs were neutral or beneficial with respect to health. Commonly cited sources of information about UPFs and their link to health included parents, schools, and social media. This study provides important insights into the factors that drive UPF consumption among young people in a lower middle-income country and should inform efforts to reduce UPF intake among young people in this and similar settings.

Periconceptional maternal intake of ultra-processed foods, energy and macronutrients the impact on imaging markers of early utero-placental vascular development: The rotterdam periconception cohort

Background & AimsThe quantity and quality of maternal nutrition in the periconception period is an important determinant for embryonic and foetal development and subsequent pregnancy course and outcome. The intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased worldwide and adverse health outcomes have been reported. However, the impact of UPF intake on the placenta, essential for prenatal nourishment, is unknown. Therefore, we aim to investigate associations between the periconceptional maternal intake of UPF, energy and related macronutrients, and first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. MethodsWe included 214 ongoing pregnancies in the Virtual Placenta study, a subcohort of the Rotterdam periconception cohort. At enrollment, participants filled out a food frequency questionnaire from which we calculated the average daily energy from UPF, total energy intake and macronutrient intake from UPF. At 7-9-11 weeks of gestation, we performed sequential three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasounds of the first-trimester utero-placental vasculature. Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) software, Virtual Reality segmentation and a skeletonization algorithm were applied to measure placental volume (PV), utero-placental vascular volume (uPVV) and generate the utero-placental vascular skeleton (uPVS). Absolute vascular morphology was quantified by assigning a morphologic characteristic to each voxel in the uPVS (end-, bifurcation-, crossing- or vessel point) and used to calculate density of vascular branching. Linear mixed models adjusted for confounders were used to investigate associations between maternal intake of UPF, total energy and macronutrients from UPF and PV, uPVV and uPVS characteristics ResultsEnergy intake from UPF and total energy intake were not consistently associated with imaging markers of utero-placental vascular development. . Higher carbohydrate intake of 10g/day from UPF was associated with increased uPVS trajectories (end points (β=0.34, 95%CI=0.07;0.61), bifurcation points (β=0.38, 95%CI=0.05;0.70), vessel points (β=0.957, 95%CI=0.21;1.71). No associations were observed with PV. ConclusionsAgainst our hypothesis, periconceptional maternal intake of UPF and total energy were not convincingly associated with impaired first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. Remarkably, the increased intake of carbohydrates from UPF, which is often considered ‘unhealthy’, is positively associated with first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. Given the complexity of diet, further research should elucidate what underlies these findings to be able to interpret how nutrition may impact utero-placental vascular development in early pregnancy. Clinical trial numberThis study is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6854).

Weekend Variation in Ultra-Processed Food Intake of Patients after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study analyzed changes in ultra-processed food consumption patterns during weekends in patients in the post-metabolic and bariatric surgery periods. It is a cross-sectional study, which recruited and collected data via social media from adults who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery. The Brazil Food and Nutritional Surveillance System markers of dietary consumption and the NOVA Ultra-Processed Food Screening tools were applied to evaluate dietary patterns and ultra-processed food consumption from the previous day. A total of 1525 participants were included, with a mean age of 38 ± 8 years and a mean body mass index of 29.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2. From these, 766 (50.3%) individuals answered the questionnaire referring to a weekend day. After adjusting for confounders, ultra-processed food consumption was higher on weekends compared to weekdays (NOVA Score 3.07 vs. 2.42; p &lt; 0.01). The consumption of fruits and vegetables was lower on weekends, whereas the consumption of hamburgers/sausages, sugar-sweetened beverages, boxed/canned juice, and frozen pizza increased on weekends. Instant noodles and sandwich cookies did not show differences between weekdays and weekend days. This pattern suggests the need to monitor eating habits on weekends in individuals after metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Protein Biomarkers of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, and All-Cause Mortality

BackgroundThere is a need to understand the underlying biological mechanisms through which ultra-processed foods negatively affect health. Proteomics offers a valuable tool with which to examine different aspects of ultra-processed foods and their impact on health. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify protein biomarkers of usual ultra-processed food consumption and assess their relation to the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and all-cause mortality risk. MethodsA total of 9361 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities visit 3 (1993–1995) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a 66-item food-frequency questionnaire and the processing levels were categorized on the basis of the Nova classification. Plasma proteins were detected using an aptamer-based proteomic assay. We used multivariable linear regressions to examine the association between ultra-processed food and proteins, and Cox proportional hazard models to identify associations between ultra-processed food-related proteins and health outcomes. Models extensively controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and clinical factors. ResultsEight proteins (6 positive, 2 negative) were identified as significantly associated with ultra-processed food consumption. Over a median follow-up of 22 y, there were 1276, 3084, and 5127 cases of CHD, CKD, and death, respectively. Three, 5, and 3 ultra-processed food-related proteins were associated with each outcome, respectively. One protein (β-glucuronidase) was significantly associated with a higher risk of all 3 outcomes, and 3 proteins (receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase U, C-C motif chemokine 25, and twisted gastrulation protein homolog 1) were associated with a higher risk of 2 outcomes. ConclusionsWe identified a panel of protein biomarkers that were significantly associated with ultra-processed food consumption. These proteins may be considered potential biomarkers for ultra-processed food intake and may elucidate the biological processes through which ultra-processed foods impact health outcomes.

Ultra-processed food intake is associated with low diet quality in young adult college students

Objective: Examine associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and diet quality (DQ) in college students. Participants: Analysis included 695 participants ages 18–39 years. Methods: Dietary data were collected using the online Diet History Questionnaires II and III. The Healthy Eating Index 2020 (HEI-2020) adult score assessed DQ. NOVA classification was used to identify UPFs. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine associations between %EI from UPF and HEI-2020 total and component scores, controlling for gender, race, smoking, campus meal plan, and EI. Results: Mean age was 19.2 years. In fully adjusted models a statistically significant inverse association was found between %EI from UPF and HEI-2020 total scores (F = 37.81, p < 0.001, R 2=0.26), all HEI adequacy scores except whole grains (not significant) and dairy (weak positive association), and for saturated fat, refined grains, and sodium scores. Conclusions: Addressing UPF intake in young adult college students could be a potential strategy to improve DQ.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and the incidence of hypertension: a cohort study.

The incidence of hypertension (HTN) and consumption of ultra-processed foods are increasing worldwide. However, only a limited amount of research has assessed the causality between ultra-processed foods and the risk of HTN. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the association between ultra-processed foods and the risk of HTN in a prospective cohort study. In the present study, we included 2399 individuals, aged approximately 19 years, who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). The participants had complete dietary data and were free from HTN at baseline. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to determine the association between ultra-processed food intake and the risk of HTN occurrence, reporting the results as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The mean age of participants was 37.6 years, and we followed them up for an average of 9.21 years. Our results indicated that participants in the highest tertile of ultra-processed foods had a 48% higher risk of HTN development (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.79) than those in the lowest tertile. We found a significant association between age and ultra-processed food intake in relation to the risk of HTN. The HR for developing HTN in participants aged <47 years was 1.99 (95% CI: 1.53, 2.58) and in participants aged ≥47 years was 1.26 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.68). Among the ultra-processed food components, consumption of industrial fat products had a positive correlation with the risk of HTN (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.06). Our results suggest that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased incidence of HTN in adults. This association varied by age and was significant for adults younger than 47 years.

Phase angle is inversely related to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and positively related to the consumption of minimally processed foods by university students: a cross-sectional study.

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) and minimally processed foods (MPF) consumption are differentially connected to adiposity and possibly body composition. Phase angle (PhA) originates from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and is connected to cellular health. This study is the first to investigate associations between UPF/MPF consumption and PhA. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Anthropometrical and BIA were performed. The Hellenic Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for physical activity evaluation, while a validated FFQ was used for dietary assessment. UPF and MPF intake (% energy) were determined according to the NOVA system. Partial correlation coefficients of PhA and dietary variables were assessed after multi-adjustment. Students were recruited (n 151, 114 women). University. Median and interquartile range (IQR) of PhA were 5·5° (5·1-6·4°) in the total sample, 6·8° (6·1-7·3°) in men and 5·3° (5·1-5·9°) in women (P < 0·001). The median and IQR for UPF consumption was 13·7 (8·1-33·4) % in the total sample, 23·8 (8·1-70·5) % in men and 12·9 (8·1-27·5) % in women (P < 0·001). The mean (sd) of MPF consumption was 60·2 (sd 15·7) % for the total sample, 59·1 (sd 16·4) % for men and 60·5 (sd 15·6) % for women (P = 0·720). The consumption of UPF was negatively (rho = -0·267, P = 0·002), while the consumption of MPF was positively (rho = 0·218, P = 0·010) associated with the PhA, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI and physical activity. PhA relates inversely to UPF and positively to MPF consumption. The observed associations possibly reflect the effects of diet on cellular health and in turn PhA.

Mediterranean Diet and Ultra-Processed Food Intake in Older Australian Adults-Associations with Frailty and Cardiometabolic Conditions.

Dietary patterns contribute to overall health and diseases of ageing but are understudied in older adults. As such, we first aimed to develop dietary indices to quantify Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) utilisation and Ultra-processed Food (UPF) intake in a well-characterised cohort of relatively healthy community-dwelling older Australian adults. Second, we aimed to understand the relationship between these scores and the association of these scores with prevalent cardiometabolic disease and frailty. Our major findings are that in this population of older adults, (a) pre-frailty and frailty are associated with reduced MDS and increased UPF intake; (b) adherence to MDS eating patterns does not preclude relatively high intake of UPF (and vice versa); and (c) high utilisation of an MDS eating pattern does not prevent an increased risk of frailty with higher UPF intakes. As such, the Mediterranean Diet pattern should be encouraged in older adults to potentially reduce the risk of frailty, while the impact of UPF intake should be further explored given the convenience these foods provide to a population whose access to unprocessed food may be limited due to socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle factors.

Are vegetarians’ diets inherently healthy? Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with overweight among vegetarians: the brazilian survey on the health, food, and nutrition of vegetarians

This cross-sectional study investigated ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and its association with overweight among Brazilian vegetarian adults (n = 925). Data were collected using a self-administered structured online questionnaire. The prevalence of overweight was 26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.3–29.1). The median UPF consumption was 1.8 times/day (1.0–3.1 interquartile range [IQR]). The multivariable generalised linear model identified an increase in overweight probability as the UPF intake – categorised into quintiles – increases (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.08 [95%CI 1.01–1.17]). Additionally, age (PR 1.03 [95%CI 1.02–1.04]), eating more than three meals/day away from home (PR 1.56 [95%CI 1.08–2.23]), duration of vegetarianism (PR 0.98 [95%CI 0.97–0.99]) and living in the wealthiest regions in the country (PR 1.35 [95%CI 1.06–1.71]) were associated with overweight. Although vegetarians have a lower average UPF intake and overweight prevalence than the general population, UPF exposure can still lead to excessive weight gain or maintenance. This study endorses generalising the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines for the vegetarian population.

Association between ultra-processed food and osteoporosis: a cross-sectional study based on the NHANES database

AimNutritional characteristics and additives in ultra-processed foods (UPF) are directly related to bone health. Physical activity as a modifiable lifestyle intervention also plays a possible role in bone mineral density (BMD), but effect of physical activity on association between UPF and osteoporosis is not fully understood. Herein, this study aims to explore the association of UPF with osteoporosis, and assess the potential mediating effects of some related factors on this pathway.MethodsData of adults were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in this cross-sectional study. Associations of unprocessed/minimally processed food (MPF), processed culinary ingredient (PCI), processed foods (PF) and UPF with femur neck BMD, total femur BMD and osteoporosis were investigated using linear regression and weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses respectively. Subgroup analyses of age, gender, physical activity, poverty income ratio (PIR), hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and dyslipidemia were performed. The potential mediating and interaction effects of physical activity and related factors on association of UPF with osteoporosis were also assessed. The evaluation indexes were β, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsAmong 10,678 eligible persons, 454 had osteoporosis. After adjusting for covariates, elevated UPF intake was associated with decreased demur neck and total femur BMD (β=-0.003). A higher UPF intake level (> 57.51%) was linked to higher odds of osteoporosis (OR = 1.789). These relationships were also significant in different subgroups. Physical activity had a potential mediating effect on the association between UPF and osteoporosis (OR = 0.47, mediating proportion = 21.54%).ConclusionUPF intake levels were associated with BMD and osteoporosis. Physical activity had an interaction effect with UPF, and had a potential mediating effect on relationship between UPF and osteoporosis.

Ultraprocessed food intake and body mass index change among youths: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundSuboptimal diets may promote undesired weight gain in youths, with high ultraprocessed food (UPF) intake becoming a significant concern in the United States. ObjectivesWe evaluated the association between UPF intake and body mass index [BMI (in kg/m2)] change in large United States youth cohorts. MethodsParticipants included children and adolescents (7–17 y) from the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS1 and GUTS2) who completed baseline and ≥1 follow-up diet and anthropometrics assessment (GUTS1 1996–2001: N = 15,797; GUTS2 2004–2011: N = 9720). Follow-up years were based on diet assessment availability. UPFs were categorized using the Nova system, with intakes evaluated as the cumulative mean percent energy from UPFs and subgroups. BMI was assessed using self-reported body weight/height. Changes in BMI annually and over 2, 4–5, and 7 y in association with UPF intake were examined using multivariable repeated-measure linear mixed models. ResultsAt baseline, the mean percentage of energy from UPFs was 49.9% in GUTS1 and 49.5% in GUTS2 participants; mean BMI was 18.7 and 19.8, respectively. After multivariable adjustments for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, each 10% increment in UPF intake was associated with a 0.01 (95% confidence interval: 0.003, 0.03) increase annually and a 0.07 (0.01, 0.13) increase over 5 y in GUTS1 participants. In GUTS2, increases were 0.02 (0.003, 0.04) annually and 0.09 (0.01, 0.18) over 4 y. Among GUTS1, statistically significant annual BMI increases of 0.02–0.07 were associated with elevated intake of ultraprocessed breakfast cereals, savory snacks, and ready-to-eat/heat foods, especially pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. No association was found between UPF intake and overweight/obesity risk. ConclusionsA higher UPF intake was associated with a modest yet significant increase in BMI in large prospective cohorts of United States youths, calling for public health efforts to promote healthful food intake among youths to prevent excessive weight gain.

Ultra-Processed Food Intake and Increased Risk of Obesity: A Narrative Review.

The prevalence of obesity has become a global health concern, with significant impacts on quality of life and mortality rates. Recent research has highlighted the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in driving the obesity epidemic. UPFs undergo extensive processing, often containing high levels of sugars, fats, and additives, while lacking essential nutrients. Studies have linked UPF consumption to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, underscoring the importance of dietary patterns rich in whole foods. Thus, the aim of this narrative review is to elucidate the correlation between ultra-processed foods and the increased trend of obesity and its related complications. These foods, prevalent in modern diets, contribute to nutritional deficiencies and excessive caloric intake, exacerbating obesity rates. Lifestyle factors such as busy schedules and quick meal management further drive UPF consumption, disrupting hunger regulation and promoting overeating. UPF consumption correlates with adverse health outcomes, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Promoting whole, minimally processed foods and implementing school-based nutrition education programs are crucial steps. Also, numerous challenges exist, including unequal access to healthy foods, the industry's influence, and behavioral barriers to dietary change. Future research should explore innovative approaches, such as nutrigenomics and digital health technologies, to personalize interventions and evaluate policy effectiveness. Collaboration across disciplines and sectors will be vital to develop comprehensive solutions and improve public health outcomes globally.

Ultra-processed products and risk of liver cancer: A prospective cohort study

Background & AimsSeveral studies have shown positive associations between ultra-processed foods and drinks and cancer risk. However, evidence remains limited for liver cancer. We aimed to evaluate the associations between ultra-processed foods and drinks and liver cancer risk. MethodsWe included 73,119 participants (22,431 Whites, 47,837 Blacks, 2851 other race) from the Southern Community Cohort Study. Ultra-processed products were defined based on the Nova classification using data from a validated food frequency questionnaire and calculated as percentage of daily foods by weight. Incident liver cancer and vital status were ascertained via linkages to state cancer registries and the National Death Index as of December 31, 2019. ResultsWith a median of 13.9 year’s follow-up, we documented 453 incident liver cancer cases. Participants with higher intake of ultra-processed foods had an elevated risk of liver cancer (hazard ratios [HR] Tertile 3 vs. tertile 1 1.69, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.28-2.22; Ptrend<0.001). The subclasses of ultra-processed foods, such as ultra-processed grains and fried potatoes (HR T3 vs. T1 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01-1.65; Ptrend=0.03), processed protein foods (HR T3 vs. T1 1.49, 95% CI: 1.14-1.94; Ptrend=0.007) and mixed dishes (HR T3 vs. T1 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09-1.77; Ptrend=0.01), were positively associated with liver cancer risk. No significant association was found for ultra-processed drinks (HR T3 vs. T1 0.85, 95% CI: 0.67-1.07; Ptrend=0.16). DiscussionIn a prospective cohort with predominantly low-income Southern US adults, we found certain ultra-processed foods were associated with a higher risk of liver cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.