New clinical research indicates a link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and disordered eating patterns, as well as poorer diet quality, in adults with obesity. The findings were published in the Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
New clinical research indicates a link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and disordered eating patterns, as well as poorer diet quality, in adults with obesity.
This highlights areas for potential improvements in nutritional intervention strategies.
Study Overview
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study in São Paulo, Brazil, to examine the association between UPF intake and eating behavior in adults with obesity. Participants included adults aged 18-59 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m². Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, diagnosed eating disorders, and certain medical conditions or treatments.
Methodology
Dietary intake was assessed using three non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls, with foods categorized by the NOVA classification system. Diet quality was evaluated using the Diet Quality Index. Eating behavior was assessed through validated self-administered online questionnaires, specifically BITE (measuring bulimia and binge eating), TFEQ-21 (assessing cognitive restraint, emotional eating, and uncontrolled eating), and DEBQ (evaluating external, emotional, and restrained eating). Generalized linear models were used to analyze the associations.
Key Findings
- A total of 77 adults participated (78% female), with a mean age of 36 years and a mean BMI of 39.14 kg/m².
- Participants were divided into three tertiles based on the proportion of calories from UPFs: less than 24.1%, 24.1%-35.4%, and greater than 35.4%.
- Approximately 52% of participants exhibited unusual eating behavior, and 23.4% reported binge eating.
- The highest UPF tertile showed significantly higher BITE symptom subscale scores compared to the lowest tertile.
- Overall, 40.3% of participants had clinically significant symptoms of disordered eating, and 13% presented severe symptoms.
- UPF intake was positively associated with binge eating, bulimia symptoms, emotional eating, external eating, and uncontrolled eating.
- Individuals in the highest UPF tertile had significantly lower diet quality scores and lower protein intake than those in the lower tertiles. Mean macronutrient distribution was 20% protein, 48% carbohydrates, and 32% lipids across the sample.
- Higher caloric intake was observed in the third tertile compared to the second.
Clinical Implications
The study suggests that obesity treatment strategies should incorporate assessments of diet quality and eating behavior. Addressing behavioral drivers in conjunction with dietary composition may improve weight management outcomes.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design prevents the establishment of causal relationships. The clinical sample from a single urban center, self-reported data, small sample size, and predominantly female participant group limit the generalizability of the findings.