Association between consumption of ultra processed foods and obesity among Jordanian children and adolescents

Abstract

The consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) is associated with obesity. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of UPF to total calorie intake and investigate the correlation between UPF consumption and obesity. The NOVA categorization was used to identify UPF in a single 24-hour dietary recall for participants. UPF consumption has been quantified as a percentage of total energy intake. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured, and the Body Mass Index-for-Age Z-Score (BAZ) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were computed. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.9% and 13.3%, respectively. Approximately 25.5% of the participants had abnormal WHtR. The average energy intake was 1925 kcal/day, of which 40% was derived from UPF. The subgroups with the highest caloric contributions among UPF were savory snacks and sweets (13.5%), industrial grain products (8.4%), fast foods (7.8%), and sweetened beverages (4.2%). UPF consumption showed a weak but significant correlation with waist circumference (r = 0.119, P = 0.005). The remarkable finding is that 47 (7.6%) of the participants did not have any UPF. UPF’s substantial contribution to daily caloric intake reflects an inadequate diet in children and adolescents. Public policies that discourage UPF use and encourage a nutritious diet are desperately needed.