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Published in: Current Obesity Reports 4/2017

01-12-2017 | The Obesity Epidemic: Causes and Consequences (A Cameron and K Backholer, Section Editors)

Ultra-processed Food Intake and Obesity: What Really Matters for Health—Processing or Nutrient Content?

Authors: Jennifer M. Poti, Bianca Braga, Bo Qin

Published in: Current Obesity Reports | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The aim of this narrative review was to summarize and critique recent evidence evaluating the association between ultra-processed food intake and obesity.

Recent Findings

Four of five studies found that higher purchases or consumption of ultra-processed food was associated with overweight/obesity. Additional studies reported relationships between ultra-processed food intake and higher fasting glucose, metabolic syndrome, increases in total and LDL cholesterol, and risk of hypertension. It remains unclear whether associations can be attributed to processing itself or the nutrient content of ultra-processed foods. Only three of nine studies used a prospective design, and the potential for residual confounding was high.

Summary

Recent research provides fairly consistent support for the association of ultra-processed food intake with obesity and related cardiometabolic outcomes. There is a clear need for further studies, particularly those using longitudinal designs and with sufficient control for confounding, to potentially confirm these findings in different populations and to determine whether ultra-processed food consumption is associated with obesity independent of nutrient content.
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Metadata
Title
Ultra-processed Food Intake and Obesity: What Really Matters for Health—Processing or Nutrient Content?
Authors
Jennifer M. Poti
Bianca Braga
Bo Qin
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Obesity Reports / Issue 4/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2162-4968
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-017-0285-4

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