Ultra-processed Food and Obesity: What Is the Evidence?

Current Nutrition Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(1), P. 23 - 38

Published: Jan. 31, 2024

Abstract Purpose of Review Obesity is a growing global healthcare concern. A proposed driver the recent increase in ultra-processed food (UPF) intake. However, disagreement surrounds concept UPF, strength evidence, and suggested mechanisms. Therefore, this review aimed to critically appraise evidence on UPF obesity. Recent Findings Observational studies demonstrate positive associations between intake, weight gain, overweight/obesity, more clearly adults than children/adolescents. This supported by high-quality clinical data. Several mechanisms are proposed, but current understanding inconclusive. Summary Greater consumption has been key There need change obesogenic environment support individuals reduce their The novel approach that not explained with existing nutrient- food-based frameworks. Critical analysis methodologies provides confidence, future observational experimental research outputs greater methodological rigor will strengthen findings, which outlined.

Language: Английский

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Benefits and challenges of food processing in the context of food systems, value chains and sustainable development goals

Trends in Food Science & Technology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 153, P. 104703 - 104703

Published: Sept. 7, 2024

Language: Английский

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Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Contribute to a Healthy and Sustainable Diet

Nutrients, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 15(15), P. 3393 - 3393

Published: July 30, 2023

Plant-based foods are increasing in popularity as more and people concerned about personal planetary health. The consumption of plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDAs) has assumed a significant dietary role populations shifting to sustainable eating habits. drinks (PBDs) made from soya other legumes have ample protein levels. PBDs that appropriately fortified adequate levels important vitamins minerals comparable milk. For the examined, greenhouse gas emissions were diminished by 59-71% per 250 mL, land use eutrophication impact was markedly less than displayed water usage for oat drinks, but not rice substantially lower compared When one substitutes mL serving milk allowed within EAT Lancet Planetary Health Diet drink, we found nutritional status is compromised environmental footprint reduced. Combining nutrient density score with an index can easily lead misclassification food when full nutrition profile utilized or only selection factors used. Many PBDAs been categorized ultra-processed (UPFs). Such classification, implied adverse health associations, inconsistent current findings regarding quality such products may discourage transitioning diet its advantages.

Language: Английский

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From dearth to excess: the rise of obesity in an ultra-processed food system

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 378(1885)

Published: July 24, 2023

More people now have obesity than suffer from starvation thanks to our modern food system. Agriculture was transformed over the 20th century by a variety of technological advancements that relied heavily on fossil fuels. In United States, government policies and economic incentives led surplus production cheap inputs processed industries produced wide marketed, convenient, rewarding, timesaving, relatively inexpensive ultra-processed foods. The energy available in supply increased much more population needs, albeit with large inequities nutrition security. While most rise per capita availability during late early 21st centuries States resulted waste, mechanisms been proposed which changes increasingly environment excess intake disproportionately genetically susceptible obesity. As populations continue grow, substantial investments coordinated agricultural research are needed transform current system one relies less fuels, preserves biodiversity, ensures environmental health, provides equitable access affordable, safe nutritious reduces prevalence chronic diet-related diseases like This article is part discussion meeting issue ‘Causes obesity: theories, conjectures evidence (Part I)’.

Language: Английский

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Beyond Plants: The Ultra-Processing of Global Diets Is Harming the Health of People, Places, and Planet

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 20(15), P. 6461 - 6461

Published: July 27, 2023

Global food systems are a central issue for personal and planetary health in the Anthropocene. One aspect of major concern is dramatic global spread ultra-processed convenience foods last 75 years, which linked with rising human burden disease growing sustainability environmental challenges. However, there also calls to radically transform systems, from animal plant-derived protein sources, may have unintended consequences. Commercial entities moved toward this "great plant transition" vigor. Whether motivated by profit or genuine concern, effort has facilitated emergence novel "plant-based" commercial products devoid nutrients fiber, sometimes inclusive high sugar, industrial fats, synthetic additives. These other ingredients combined into often assumed be healthy lower calorie content. available evidence indicates that many these can potentially compromise at all scales-of people, places, planet. In viewpoint, we summarize reflect on discussions presented Nova Network meeting "Future Food", had particular focus encroachment supply, including plant-sourced alternatives (and collective therein) finding their way fast-food chains. We contend while been much uncritical media attention given impact macronutrient sources-meat vs. soy/pea burgers, etc.-the heavy processing both significant but overlooked, effects cognition mental health. This more nuanced discourse considers complexities refocuses priorities value towards mutualistic solutions, co-benefits individuals, local communities, ecology.

Language: Английский

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Toward a science-based classification of processed foods to support meaningful research and effective health policies

Frontiers in Nutrition, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: July 3, 2024

Processed foods have been part of the American diet for decades, with key roles in providing a safe, available, affordable, and nutritious food supply. The USDA Food Guides beginning 1916 US Dietary Guidelines Americans (DGA) since 1980 included various types commonly consumed processed (e.g., heated, fermented, dried) as their recommendations. However, there are multiple classification systems based on “level” processing, additional evidence is needed to establish specific properties classified “highly” or “ultra”-processed (HPF/UPFs). Importantly, many captured under HPF/UPF definitions, ranging from ready-to-eat fortified whole grain breakfast cereals sugar-sweetened beverages baked goods. consequences implementing dietary guidance limit all intake currently may require scrutiny evaluate impact consumers’ ability meet daily nutrient recommendations access affordable food, ultimately, health outcomes. Based meeting held by Institute Advancement Nutrition Sciences May 2023, this paper provides perspectives broad array HPF/UPFs processing formulation, including contributions patterns, acceptability, cost. Characteristics UPF/HPFs considered, safety approval additives effect matrix. Finally, identifies information gaps research needs better understand how affects nutrition

Language: Английский

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Ultra‐Processed Foods and Dietetic Practice: Findings From a Survey and Focus Group With UK Dietitians

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 38(1)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Background Food processing converts fresh food into products and is of interest to nutrition professionals including dietitians given emerging evidence linking consumption 'ultra‐processed' with health. Objective To explore dietitians' professional practice around the topic processed foods health, their perceptions individual products. Methods An online survey was developed evaluate involvement, confidence views using a 5‐point scale (i.e., 1 = never, 5 daily). Respondents' three were also obtained, level (LoP) (from unprocessed ultra‐processed) recommended frequency (FoC) avoid several times/day). Eligible respondents (UK dietitians) recruited via British Dietetic Association social media. Data analysed descriptively. A focus group held five discuss current this topic. Verbal data thematically analysed. Results Survey ( n 366) possessed an average 13 ± 9.8 years practising across various specialisms. Most discussed (82%) provided guidance on (77%) health monthly or more frequently, 'high' levels (61%–59%), agreed that healthy diets may include (94%) 'highly/ultra' (71%) foods. Perceptions each product varied, yet largest proportion selected LoP FoC options for Tinned tomatoes: 'minimally processed' (54%), 'several times/week' (69%); mycoprotein mince: 'highly/ultra‐processed' (57%), times/month' (40%); wholemeal bread: 'processed' (46%), (58%). Focus themes included uncertainties in definitions ultra‐processed negative consumer processing. Conclusion This first UK suggests dietetic frequently involves role these are varied. Respondents range products, further work now warranted support future development practice.

Language: Английский

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Common Leverage Points to Address the Health, Environmental Sustainability, and Justice Challenges of Financialised Food Systems

Food Ethics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 10(1)

Published: March 20, 2025

Language: Английский

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The Impact of the Exposome on Alzheimer’s Disease: The Influence of Nutrition

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 26(7), P. 3015 - 3015

Published: March 26, 2025

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioural changes. While genetic predispositions pathological processes have been the traditional focus, this review highlights fundamental role of environmental factors, particularly nutrition, within exposome framework in modulating risk progression AD. The exposome, which includes totality exposures an individual's lifetime, provides comprehensive approach to understanding complex aetiology In review, we explore impact dietary factors cyclic nucleotide pathways (cAMP/cGMP) on AD, emphasizing potential interventions as therapeutic strategies. We investigate key aspects how nutrition affects accumulation β-amyloid, aggregation tau proteins, neuroinflammation. also examine specific nutrients performance Additionally, discuss nutraceuticals with anti-phosphodiesterase activity various animal models AD (such 5xFAD, 3xTg-AD, Tg2576, APP/PS1 mice) demonstrating effects onset progression.

Language: Английский

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A Systematic Review of Evidence on the Role of Ready-to-Eat Cereals in Diet and Non-Communicable Disease Prevention

Nutrients, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(10), P. 1680 - 1680

Published: May 15, 2025

Background: Ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) are a large, heterogeneous category of designed to fit into busy lifestyles with minimal preparation time. Methods: This systematic review evaluated nutrient intake data from seven national surveys. Using PubMed and Science Direct (1 January 2004 until 16 September 2024), we investigated RTECs in relation their contributions macro, micronutrient food group intakes, breakfast/diet quality effects on health focus non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. The search was restricted Systematic Reviews (SRs), meta-analyses (MAs), randomised controlled trials (RCTs) observational studies. Fifty-one publications were obtained. Studies related outcomes NCD risk graded using an updated Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network approach. Results: Grade A evidence: Based high-quality MA, SRs, or RCTs, this showed that RTEC consumption associated improved intakes (particularly fibre micronutrients), reduced cardiovascular mortality. One good-quality meta-analysis total whole grain which included cancer. B largely evidence, overweight obesity, body mass index composition improvements type 2 diabetes risk. For lipid profiles, more well-designed studies needed (Grade D evidence). Conclusions: There is consistent evidence generally have positive neutral nutritional status Strongest exists for diseases (CVDs), weight regulation, Public messaging should recognise RTECs, especially whole-grain, higher-fibre lower-sugar varieties, may help reinforce range outcomes.

Language: Английский

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