Ultra-processed food consumption and dietary nutrient profiles associated with obesity: a multi-country study of children and adolescents

Published in Obesity Reviews - Special Issue: Determinants of Childhood Obesity. This study assessed associations between ultra-processed food consumption and dietary nutrient profile linked to obesity in children and adolescents in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the UK, and the US using nationally representative data collected between 2004-14. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between dietary share of ultra-processed foods (country and age-group specific quintiles and a 10% share increase) and the energy density of diets and their content of free sugars and fiber. Ultra-processed foods, defined by the NOVA system, ranged from 18% of total energy intake among pre-school children in Colombia to 68% among adolescents in the UK. In almost all countries and age groups, increases in the dietary share of ultra-processed foods were associated with increases in energy density and free sugars and decreases in fiber, suggesting that ultra-processed food consumption is a potential determinant of obesity in children and adolescents. Effective global policy action to address growing ultra-processed food consumption and childhood obesity is urgently needed