Consumption Of Ultra-processed Foods Research Articles

Association of ultra-processed food consumption with all cause and cause specific mortality: population based cohort study

ObjectiveTo examine the association of ultra-processed food consumption with all cause mortality and cause specific mortality.DesignPopulation based cohort study.SettingFemale registered nurses from 11 US states in the Nurses’ Health Study...

Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption and Asthma in the Western Diet

Obesity is considered an important risk factor for the onset of asthma, playing a key role in enhancing the disease’s severity. However, there is increasing evidence linking not only obesity but also overweight with a higher risk of asthma. Although the correlation between obesity and asthma has already been reported, several aspects are still not fully elucidated, mainly about the inflammatory processes underlying both diseases. It is well known that Western-type calorically rich diets and overfeeding can act as triggers of chronic metabolic inflammation, but few studies have examined associations between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake, despite its positive correlation with obesity, and biomarkers of inflammation. In addition to their nutrient composition, UPF may have chemical additives and contaminants from packaging, whose effects on health and food addiction are still under research. In this review, we provide an overview of the current data that identify the associations between the obese asthma phenotype and UPF consumption, highlighting the potential central role played by the intestinal microbiota.

Differential association of dietary scores with the risk of type 2 diabetes by metabotype.

We aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) while considering the potential effect modification by metabolic phenotypes (metabotypes). Additionally, we aimed to explore the association between dietary scores and prediabetes. A total of 1460 participants (11.8% with T2DM) from the cross-sectional population-based KORA FF4 study were included. Participants, classified into three metabotype subgroups, had both their FSAm-NPS dietary index (underpinning the Nutri-Score) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) intake (using NOVA classification) calculated. Glucose tolerance status was assessed via oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) in non-diabetic participants and was classified according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Logistic regression models were used for both the overall and metabotype-stratified analyses of dietary scores' association with T2DM, and multinomial probit models for their association with prediabetes. Participants who had a diet with a higher FSAm-NPS dietary index (i.e., a lower diet quality) or a greater percentage of UPF consumption showed a positive association with T2DM. Stratified analyses demonstrated a strengthened association between UPF consumption and T2DM specifically in the metabolically most unfavorable metabotype (Odds Ratio, OR 1.92; 95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.35, 2.73). A diet with a higher FSAm-NPS dietary index was also positively associated with prediabetes (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.04, 1.35). Our study suggests different associations between poorer diet quality and T2DM across individuals exhibiting diverse metabotypes, pointing to the option for stratified dietary interventions in diabetes prevention.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and relationship with sodium and potassium excretion: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) had been associated with higher risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and NCD-promoting nutrient profile such as high sodium content and low potassium content. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of food processing according to the NOVA classification and its relationship with sodium and potassium intake estimated by 24-hour urinary excretion. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Data collection included 107 workers from a public university (51.4% female; mean age 47 years) participating in an iMC Salt clinical trial). A 24-hour urinary collection was used to estimate sodium and potassium intake, validated by the creatinine coefficient. The corresponding 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess food intake and foods were categorized using the NOVA classification according to the degree and purpose of processing, into four groups. Nutri-score was also used to categorize UPF and provide more information about the nutritional quality of products. Results: The largest energy contribution came from the group of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (51.6%), followed by UPF (24%), processed foods (21.8%) and processed culinary ingredients (2.6%). Individuals with the lowest caloric contribution of the consumption of UPF had higher average values of potassium (K) intake (1438 vs 1136 mg/1000kcal; p=0.007), as individuals with the highest weight contribution of the consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (1434 vs 1109 mg/1000kcal; p=0.010). For sodium (Na) intake no significant results were found between individuals with the lowest and the highest consumption of each NOVA group. Conclusions: Higher consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods and lower UPF intake were associated with higher K intake values. On the other hand, higher UPF intake was not associated with higher Na intake values. Funding: This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia by Grant POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029269) and by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (Northern Regional Operational Program 2014/2020) - NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-072687.

Sleep duration and consumption of ultra-processed foods among Brazilian adolescents

BackgroundSleep duration influences the dietary pattern and quality of life of adolescents and is associated with increased ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption among those with inadequate sleep duration, which may be related to the increased prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure in this age group. Thus, the study objective was to verify the association between sleep duration and UPF intake among Brazilian adolescents participating in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA). MethodsCross-sectional study using ERICA data, conducted between March 2013 and December 2014 with adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from public and private schools in Brazilian cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. UPF consumption was obtained by recording a 24-hour food diary and was used as the outcome variable (in grams). The sleep duration was obtained through a questionnaire, stratified into recommended sleep duration (eight to 10 hours) and inadequate sleep duration (less than 8 hours and more than 10 hours). Linear regression was performed to verify the association between sleep duration and UPF consumption. The analyses were carried out using Stata. Results66,791 adolescents were included in the study, 55.94% of whom had inadequate sleep duration. Regardless of sleep duration, male adolescents had a higher average UPF consumption, as did adolescents in the 14-15 age group, who belong to the high socioeconomic score. Adolescents who slept less than 8 or more than 10 hours a night (inadequate sleep duration) showed an increase in UPF consumption compared to adolescents who complied with the recommended hours of sleep (37.20 (22.64 – 51.76). ConclusionThe results show the importance of healthy lifestyle habits, such as adequate sleep duration and healthy eating, for health promotion. Food and Nutrition Education actions in schools are recommended to warn about the harm of inadequate sleep time and excessive UPF consumption.

Association Between Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption and Leucocyte Telomere Length: A cross-sectional study of UK Biobank

ObjectiveThis study investigates the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and leucocyte telomere length. MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized data from the UK Biobank, including a total of 64,690 participants. LTL was measured using Q-PCR with natural logarithmic conversion and Z-score normalization. Dietary data were collected through a 24-hour recall questionnaire from 2009 to 2010. UPFs were identified using the Nova food classification as either a continuous or a categorical variable respectively. Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze the association between UPF consumption and LTL. ResultsThe included participants had an average age of 56.26 years, of whom 55.2% were female. After adjusting for demographic and health-related variables, LTL exhibited a decrease of 0.005 (95% CI:−0.007,−0.002) with one UPF serving increase. Compared to participants consuming ≤3.5 servings/day, those consuming 3.5 to <6 servings showed a shortening of LTL by 0.025 (95% CI: −0.046, −0.003). Participants consuming 6 to ≤8 servings/day and >8 servings/day had LTL shortening of 0.032 (95% CI: −0.054, −0.011) and 0.037 (95% CI: −0.060, −0.014), respectively (P for trend=0.002). Subgroup analyses by UPF subclasses revealed that the consumption of ready-to-eat/heated food (β=−0.010, 95% CI:−0.016,−0.004), beans and potatoes (β=−0.027, 95% CI:−0.043,−0.012), animal-based products (β=−0.012, 95% CI:−0.020,−0.005), artificial sugar (β=−0.014, 95% CI:−0.025,−0.003), and beverages (β=−0.005, 95% CI:−0.009,−0.001) showed negative associations with LTL. Conversely, breakfast cereals (β=0.022, 95% CI:0.006,0.038) and vegetarian alternatives (β=0.056, 95% CI:0.026,0.085) showed positive correlations with LTL. ConclusionsOur study found that a higher consumption of total UPF was associated with a shorter LTL. However, some UPFs may be associated with longer LTL, depending on their nutritional composition.

Ultra-processed food consumption and mortality among patients with stages I–III colorectal cancer: a prospective cohort study

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are emerging as a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), yet how post-diagnostic UPF intake may impact CRC prognosis remains unexplored. Data collected from food frequency questionnaires were used to estimate intakes of total UPFs and UPF subgroups (serving/d) at least 6 months but less than 4 years post-diagnosis among 2498 patients diagnosed with stages I-III CRC within the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study during 1980-2016. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause, CRC- and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality in association with UPF consumption were estimated using an inverse probability weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model, adjusted for confounders. The mean (SD) age of patients at diagnosis was 68.5 (9.4) years. A total of 1661 deaths were documented, including 321 from CRC and 335 from CVD. Compared to those in the lowest quintile (median=3.6 servings/d), patients in the highest quintile (median=10 servings/d) of post-diagnostic UPF intake had higher CVD mortality (HR=1.65, 95% CI=1.13-2.40) but not CRC or all-cause mortality. Among UPF subgroups, higher consumption of fats/condiments/sauces was associated with a higher risk of CVD-specific mortality (highest vs. lowest quintile of intake, HR=1.96, 95% CI=1.41-2.73), and higher intake of ice cream/sherbet was associated with an increased risk of CRC-specific mortality (highest vs. lowest quintile, HR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.33-2.61). No statistically significant association was found between UPF subgroups and overall mortality. Higher post-diagnostic intake of total UPFs and fats/condiments/sauces in CRC survivors is associated with higher CVD mortality, and higher ice cream/sherbet intake is linked to higher CRC mortality. US National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society.

Ultra-processed foods - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are increasingly consumed worldwide and have been linked to several chronic diseases. This paper aims to describe the totality of the available evidence regarding UPFs in relation to health-related outcomes as a basis for setting food-based dietary guidelines for the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023. Systematic literature searches were conducted to identify systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and prospective cohort studies examining the association between UPF intake and non-communicable diseases or mortality. A total of 12 systematic reviews (including five meta-analyses) and 44 original research studies (43 prospective cohort studies and one RCT) were included. All original research studies were deemed to be of good methodological quality. The current evidence supports that greater consumption of UPFs is associated with weight gain and increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. The available literature also supports an association between UPFs and hypertension, cancer, and depression; however, the limited number of studies and subjects investigated preclude strong conclusions. Due to the highly diverse nature of UPFs, additional studies are warranted, with special emphasis on disentangling mediating mechanisms, whether nutritional or non-nutrient based. Nevertheless, the available evidence regarding UPFs in relation to weight gain, CVD, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality is considered strong enough to support dietary recommendations to limit their consumption.

Ultra-processed food consumption, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of hip/knee osteoarthritis

The associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) remain unknown. This study was to examine the effect of UPF consumption, genetic susceptibility, and their interactions on hip/knee OA. Cohort analyses included 163,987 participants from the UK Biobank. Participants' UPF consumption was derived from their 24-h dietary recall using a questionnaire. Genetic risk scores (GRSs) of 70 and 83 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for hip and knee OA were constructed. After 1,461,447 person-years of follow-up, 11,540 patients developed OA. After adjustments, compared to participants in the low quartile of UPF consumption, those in the high quartile had a 10 % (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.18) increased risk of knee OA. No significant association was found between UPF consumption and hip OA. Replacing 20% of UPF diet weight with an equivalent proportion of unprocessed or minimally processed food caused a 6% (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.98) decreased risk of knee OA, respectively. A significant interaction was found between UPF consumption, genetic predisposition, and the risk of knee OA (P=0.01). Participants with lower OA-GRS scores experienced higher knee OA risks due to UPF consumption. UPF consumption was associated with a higher risk of knee OA but not hip OA, particularly in those with lower genetic susceptibility. These results highlight the importance of reducing UPF consumption to prevent knee OA.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and mental health of pregnant women from the South of Brazil.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and the mental health of pregnant women from the South of Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in Criciúma, Brazil, through face-to-face interviews, from April to December 2022. Pregnant women aged 18 or older who underwent prenatal care in the 48 Basic Health Units of the municipality and who were in their third trimester of pregnancy were included. High consumption of UPF was considered as 6 or more items or subgroups of UPF consumed on the day before the interview, using the Nova-UPF screener. The mental health variables were depressive symptoms, stress, sadness, and anxiety. Crude and adjusted analyses were conducted using the Fisher's exact test and the Poisson regression with robust variance. In total, 428 pregnant women were studied; most of them were aged between 20 and 25 years and were white. Pregnant women who presented high consumption of UPF were 1.42-fold (95%CI 1.06;1.92) more likely to experience anxiety and presented a prevalence 56% (95%CI 1.18;2.07) higher of stress when compared to those who did not present high consumption of UPF. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and feelings of sadness was 1.31-fold (95%CI 1.08;1.60) and 3.41-fold (95%CI 1.77;6.58) higher among those with high consumption of UPF, respectively. The results suggest that diet quality is associated with the mental health of pregnant women. Promoting joint actions focused on food and nutritional education for pregnant women, as well as mental health, is necessary.

Development of the modified Highly Processed Food Withdrawal Scale (mProWS)

The Highly Processed Food Withdrawal Scale (ProWS) is a 29-item measure that operationalizes physical and psychological indicators of withdrawal symptoms associated with cutting down on the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The current study developed a briefer 7-item version of the ProWS (modified ProWS; mProWS) using the participant sample from the ProWS validation paper (n = 231). Then, in an independent sample recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk, 244 participants (55.3% females) completed the mProWS, the ProWS, and measures of eating-related constructs in order to evaluate the psychometric properties of the mProWS, relative to the ProWS. The mProWS and the ProWS performed similarly on indexes of reliability, convergent validity with addictive-like eating behavior (e.g., Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 symptom count), discriminant validity with distinct measures (e.g., cognitive desire to restrict food consumption), and incremental validity evidenced by associations with weight cycling above and beyond body mass index (BMI) and YFAS 2.0 symptoms. The mProWS may be an appropriate choice for studies with higher participant burden (e.g., ecological momentary assessment) to assess withdrawal symptoms in real-time when they occur in response to cutting down on ultra-processed foods.

Association of Ultraprocessed Food Consumption with Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: Findings from the UK Biobank.

Among patients with diabetes, who have modified nutritional behavior and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the influence of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) on CVD remains unknown. The study aims to evaluate the association between UPF intake and the risk of CVD among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and further examine the potential biological pathways linking the association. This study includes 5405 participants with T2D who provided at least one 24-h dietary recall from the UK Biobank study. In the fully adjusted models, a 10% increase in the proportion of UPFs is associated with higher hazards of overall CVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04, 1.15), coronary heart disease (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.16), heart failure (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.25), but not stroke (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.12). Cystatin C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A, C-reactive protein, and body mass index collectively explain 26.9% (12.8%, 48.5%) of the association between UPF intake and the risk of overall CVD. Higher UPF intakes are associated with increased hazards of CVD among individuals with T2D, and the association is partly mediated through worsening biomarkers of renal function, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and body weight.

Ultra-processed foods and human health: An umbrella review and updated meta-analyses of observational evidence

Background & aimsUltra-processed food (UPF) intake has increased sharply over the last few decades and has been consistently asserted to be implicated in the development of non-communicable diseases. We aimed to evaluate and update the existing observational evidence for associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and human health. MethodsWe searched Medline and Embase from inception to March 2023 to identify and update meta-analyses of observational studies examining the associations between UPF consumption, as defined by the NOVA classification, and a wide spectrum of health outcomes. For each health outcome, we estimated the summary effect size, 95% confidence interval (CI), between-study heterogeneity, evidence of small-study effects, and evidence of excess-significance bias. These metrics were used to evaluate evidence credibility of the identified associations. ResultsThis umbrella review identified 39 meta-analyses on the associations between UPF consumption and health outcomes. We updated all meta-analyses by including 122 individual articles on 49 unique health outcomes. The majority of the included studies divided UPF consumption into quartiles, with the lowest quartile being the reference group. We identified 25 health outcomes associated with UPF consumption. For observational studies, 2 health outcomes, including renal function decline (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.33) and wheezing in children and adolescents (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.34, 1.49), showed convincing evidence (Class I); and five outcomes were reported with highly suggestive evidence (Class II), including diabetes mellitus, overweight, obesity, depression, and common mental disorders. ConclusionsHigh UPF consumption is associated with an increased risk of a variety of chronic diseases and mental health disorders. At present, not a single study reported an association between UPF intake and a beneficial health outcome. These findings suggest that dietary patterns with low consumption of UPFs may render broad public health benefits.

Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with obesity and abdominal obesity in socially vulnerable Brazilian women.

This study aimed to assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and identify their association with obesity and abdominal obesity in adult women of reproductive age living insituations of social vulnerability in Maceió, Northeastern Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study carried out between October 2020 and May 2021. An anthropometric evaluation was carried out to assess obesity and abdominal obesity. A dietary assessment was also conducted using a 24-h food recall to determine the calorie intake from UPF. To estimate intra-individual variability in food consumption, the probabilistic Multiple Source Method was used. These data in the form of tertiles were used to analyse the association between the consumption of UPF and obesity and abdominal obesity. Logistic regressions were used to analyse the association. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was created for this analysis. This study included 1702 women of which 53.7% were 31 years old or older, and 74.2% lived in poverty. It identified that 36.5% and 38.1% of the women had obesity and abdominal obesity, respectively, and that an average of 33.8% of calories consumed came from UPF. In the analysis of association guided by the DAG, it was observed that women with a high-calorie intake from UPF had a 1.3 times higher probability of being obese. It was also observed that women with a moderate and high-calorie intake from UPF were 1.4 and 1.3 times more likely, respectively, to have abdominal obesity. Thus, it can be concluded that socially vulnerable women in Brazil have a relatively high consumption of UPF and that this condition increases the probability of obesity in this population group.

Ultra-processed food consumption and quality of life: a cross-sectional study in Iranian women.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been associated with a higher intake of added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats; however, the relationship between UPFs and quality of life (QoL) is not well understood. The present cross-sectional study included 193 Iranian women aged 18-48 years with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2. UPFs were identified using the NOVA classification. QoL was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed using an appropriate method. The mean BMI and fat-free mass (FFM) of the subjects were 30.90 kg/m2 and 46.69 kg, respectively. At first, a significant difference was observed in the height of women across tertiles of UPF consumption. The mean score of the total QoL scale was 66.90. Women who were in the tertile 3 of UPFs intake had 23.59 units lower the scale of limitation in physical capabilities and activity (score of role-physical) (β = -23.59, 95% CI: -37.77-9.40, p = 0.001). Among those with the highest adherence to UPF intake, there was an 8.76 unit reduction in addressing feelings of energy and fatigue (vitality domain) in model 2 (β = -8.76, 95% CI: -16.42-1.11, p = 0.02). Finally, a reduction of 15.78 units was observed in the mental health scale, specifically in the mental states of anxiety and depression, among participants in the third tertile of UPF intake (β = -15.78, 95% CI: -24.11-7.45, p < 0.001). Increased UPF consumption was associated with lower QoL in Iranian women. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and develop effective strategies to promote healthy food choices.

Unhealthy Dietary Pattern Associated with Common Mental Disorders in Adults and Older Adults: A Population-based Study

Background:: Mental and behavioral disorders are influenced by biological, psychological and social factors, especially income, gender, age and family environment, indicating that physical health is directly associated with mental health. In this perspective, food consumption is highlighted as a risk factor for mental health, as healthy behaviors, along with a good quality diet, can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Objective:: The objective of this astudy is to investigate the association between CMD and dietary patterns, among other lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. Method:: Cross-sectional population-based and household study conducted with 1574 individuals aged over 20 years, of both sexes, residing in Teresina and Picos, Piaui, Brazil. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and food consumption data were collected. The instrument used to identify the presence of CMDs was the Self Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20). Dietary patterns were obtained using the Principal Component Analysis method. Results:: Individuals of female sex, separated, with low education, smokers and lower level of physical activity had a higher prevalence of common mental disorders. As for the eating pattern, after adjustments, individuals who adhered to the unhealthy eating pattern had a 9% higher prevalence of CMD. Furthermore, adherence to the white meat standard represented 12% higher prevalence of CMD. Conclusion:: The results showed that, regardless of other socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, adherence to a more monotonous eating pattern in foods, characterized by the mainly consumption of animal protein and the lack consumption of foods like fruits and vegetables,as well as a less healthy one, characterized by the consumption of ultra-processed foods, increases the risk of developing CMD.

Social vulnerability and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents

BackgroundSocial vulnerability can influence in the development of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents (CRF). For this reason, the objective of our study was to evaluate the presence of CRF in adolescents, according to social vulnerability.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study with 517 adolescents of both sexes, from 10 to 19 years of age, classified into 2 groups by social vulnerability, according to socioeconomic characteristics collected by means of questionnaires, where adolescents who did not have access to drinking water, sewage network, and adequate per capita income were classified as vulnerable. Anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure data were evaluated. Level of physical activity was assessed by an adapted questionnaire, and food intake was assessed by a 3-day food record. Independent T, Mann-Whitney, and χ2 tests were used, according to the scale of measurement of the variables, on the statistical program SPSS, version 25, at a significance level of 5%.ResultsAdolescents had median age of 14 (11 to 15) years; 58.4% were female; 32.4% were overweight, and 52.4% were physically inactive in leisure. Mean consumption of ultra-processed food was observed to account for 45.0% of calorie intake. Adolescents classified as vulnerable had lower weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference when compared to non-vulnerable adolescents. Both groups had cholesterol concentrations above the normal level. Non-vulnerable adolescents had higher triglyceride concentrations, higher alcohol consumption, and lower fiber intake compared to vulnerable adolescents.ConclusionsAdolescents with social vulnerability are less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors.

Is Ultra-Processed Food Intake Associated with a Higher Risk of Glaucoma? A Prospective Cohort Study including 19,255 Participants from the SUN Project.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake with the incidence of glaucoma in a large sample of Spanish university graduates followed prospectively. Prospective cohort study using data from the SUN Project. A final sample of 19,225 participants (60.1% women) was included in this study, with a mean age of 38.2 years (standard deviation (SD) = 12.4). Participants were followed-up for a mean time of 12.9 years (SD = 5.4). Dietary intake was measured using a 136-item semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. UPFs were defined based on the NOVA classification system. Glaucoma diagnosis was determined by asking the participants if they had ever been diagnosed with glaucoma by an ophthalmologist. This self-reported diagnosis of glaucoma has been previously validated. After adjusting for several covariates, participants with the highest UPF consumption were at higher risk of glaucoma (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 3.17) when compared to participants in the lowest category of UPF consumption. Regarding subgroup analyses, a significant multiplicative interaction was found for age (p = 0.004) and omega 3:6 ratio (p = 0.040). However, an association between UPF consumption and glaucoma was only found in older participants (aged ≥ 55 years), in men, in the most physically active group, in the group of non- or former smokers, in those with a lower omega 3:6 ratio, and in those with a lower energy intake. Regarding the contribution of each type of UPF group, UPF coming from sweets showed a significant risky effect (HR = 1.51; CI 95% 1.07 to 2.12). This prospective cohort study shows that participants with a greater UPF consumption have a higher risk of developing glaucoma when compared to participants with a lower consumption. Our findings emphasize the relevance of monitoring and limiting the consumption of UPFs as a means of preventing glaucoma incidence.

Hedonic hunger, ultra-processed food consumption, and the moderating effects of impulsivity in pregnant individuals with body mass index ≥ 25

Evidence suggests higher hedonic hunger (preoccupation with/desire to consume food for pleasure) is associated with greater ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption in non-pregnant individuals with higher, but not lower, self-report impulsivity or delay discounting. The current study tested the association between hedonic hunger and UPF consumption, and the moderating effects of self-report impulsivity and delay discounting, during pregnancy. Individuals (N = 220) with body mass index (BMI)≥25 completed the Power of Food Scale, 24-h dietary recalls, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Version 11 in early-mid pregnancy. A subset enrolled in an ancillary study (n = 143) completed a Delay Discounting Task. Linear regression and moderation models covaried for age, gestational age, pre-pregnancy BMI, and socioeconomic status. The association between hedonic hunger and UPF consumption was nonsignificant (p = 0.47). Self-report impulsivity was not a significant moderator (p = 0.11), but delay discounting was (p = 0.01). Simple slopes analysis revealed a one-unit increase in hedonic hunger was associated with 7% lower UPF intake among participants with lower (M+1SD) delay discounting (p = 0.01) and 1% higher UPF intake among those with higher (M-1SD) delay discounting (p = 0.57). Findings contrast those from research with non-pregnant samples and indicate lower delay discounting may serve as a protective factor, associated with reduced UPF consumption at higher levels of hedonic hunger, during pregnancy.

Type and timing of ultra-processed foods consumption and its association with dietary intake and physical activity in women with obesity living in poverty.

The present study aimed to investigate the type and timing of ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption and its association with dietary intake (DI) and physical activity (PA) in women with obesity living in poverty. A cross-sectional study was employed. Obesity was defined by at least two criteria (body mass index, waist circumference or % fat mass). Poverty was defined as the three lowest classes of the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion. PA was measured with triaxial accelerometers and DI was assessed with three 24-h dietary recalls. Foods were categorised according to the NOVA classification, with UPF classified into five subgroups, as well as the timing of consumption into six meals. In total, 56 adult women were included. Overall energy intake was 1653.21 (503.22) kcal/day. UPF intake was 21.62% (11.94%) kcal/day, being higher at breakfast (4.91% kcal/day), afternoon snack (5.39% kcal/day) and dinner (5.01% kcal/day). Only UPF subgroup 4 (sandwich biscuits, sweets, or treats) showed a positive association with energy intake (β = 54.40 [27.6, 81.10] kcal/day) and a negative association with protein intake (β = -0.31% [-0.48%, -0.14%] kcal/day). UPF consumption in morning (β = -0.41% [-0.79%, -0.02%] kcal/day) and afternoon (β = -0.18% [-0.33%, -0.04%] kcal/day) snacks was associated with lower protein intake. Furthermore, lunchtime UPF consumption was positively associated with walking time (β = 0.16% [0.02%; 0.30%]) and steps/hour (β = 8.72 [1.50; 15.94] steps/h). Women with obesity living in poverty consume more UPF during breakfast, afternoon snack and dinner. Physical activity is positively associated with UPF consumption at lunch. UPF, such as sandwich biscuits, sweets or treats, contribute to increasing energy intake and reducing protein intake.