Los productos ultra-procesados: Implicancias sobre su consumo, avances y retos en América Latina para la salud pública en adultos

Abstract

The appearance of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and their increase in sales has led to changes in food environments; these conditions are associated with negative repercussions on people’s health. Therefore, this essay aimed to analyze the implications of the consumption of UPF, advances, and challenges in Latin America for public health in adults. The information was collected in different databases, which led to the review of documents that revealed data on con-sumption, implications, actions, and public policy challenges around UPF. Mexico and Chile were the countries with the highest per capita sales in Latin America. In the region, the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with high sales of UPF and an increase in fast-food establishments and supermarkets. Several countries in the region have issued advances in public and fiscal policies as improving the information that warns of the health risks of these products and an increase in taxes on products with inadequate nutritional profiles. Although these actions have begun to show positive effects by registering decreases in the consumption of UPF, it is essential to generate policies and actions that offer alternatives for the consumption of minimally processed foods, with adequate nutritional profiles that are affordable and allow the population to have consumption alternatives to UPF.