Italian researchers reveal a strong link between ultra-processed foods and obesity, highlighting increased cardiometabolic risks in adults with higher UPF consumption. The findings call for urgent dietary changes to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles.
By Vijay Kumar MalesuReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Nov 18 2024 Discover how ultra-processed foods fuel obesity and metabolic risks, and why embracing a Mediterranean diet could turn the tide on rising health challenges.
Background Obesity is a global public health challenge, with food processing playing a key role in its rise. Modern food systems have shifted diets toward energy-dense UPFs, which are highly palatable, nutrient-poor, and calorie-rich. Identified by the NOVA classification, UPFs include snacks, soft drinks, and processed meats linked to increased obesity rates.
Nutritional assessments employed the PREvención con DIetaMEDiterránea and NOVA Food Frequency Questionnaires to evaluate Mediterranean diet adherence and UPF consumption. Adiposity was analyzed using indices like waist-to-height ratio , lipid accumulation product , visceral adiposity index , and cardiometabolic index . Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05.
UPF consumption increased significantly with BMI, both in percentage and absolute terms. In Group 1, UPF consumption accounted for 18.2% , compared to 26.2% in Group 3 . Daily UPF intake rose from 274.2 g/day in Group 1 to 526.2 g/day in Group 3 . Soft drinks emerged as the predominant contributor, with consumption more than doubling in Group 3 compared to Group 1 .
Cardiometabolic Diet Food Mediterranean Diet Nutrients Physical Activity Public Health Soft Drinks
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
8 simple swaps to cut down your kids’ UPF intakeAs half term starts, Lucy Denyer asks the experts about how to swap convenience foods with healthier alternatives
Read more »
Frequent ultra-processed food consumption raises mortality risks, especially in womenUltra-processed food intake is linked to increased all-cause and cause-specific mortality, particularly in females, with metabolomic signatures highlighting the associated risks. This study provides critical evidence on the health dangers of UPFs.
Read more »
Ultra-processed foods linked to liver disease and insulin resistance in obese childrenUltra-processed food consumption in obese adolescents is linked to insulin resistance and liver disease, stressing the need for improved dietary interventions.
Read more »
How RFK Jr’s views on UPFs could change British dietsCrackdown on ultra-processed foods could be ‘silver lining’ from Trump’s victory, say campaigners
Read more »
I started side hustle from grandparents’ council house as a scaffolder… now I’m worth £62m after hiding the...Ultra-processed foods linked to ‘higher risk of early death’ says nutrition expert
Read more »
Research links ultra-processed foods to accelerated biological agingA study conducted by the Research Unit of Epidemiology and Prevention at the I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed in Pozzilli, in collaboration with the LUM University of Casamassima, shows that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with the acceleration of biological aging, regardless of the nutritional quality of the diet.
Read more »