Impact of ultra-processed foods on excess weight and dyslipidemia in schoolchildren

Objective

To analyze the impact of the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), excess weight, and dyslipidemia in schoolchildren.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study in which 420 schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 years from public schools in the municipality of Rio das Ostras, Brazil, were evaluated. Food consumption was assessed using the Previous Day Food Questionnaire (PDFQ-3), and physical activity (PA) was assessed using the Previous Day Physical Activity and Food Questionnaire (PDPAFQ). The following parameters were also evaluated: body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR); serum concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c), and non-HDL-cholesterol. All foods and UPF groups were categorized according to the NOVA classification, and UPF consumption was expressed as a score and classified into tertiles. For statistical analysis, binary logistic regression models were tested and crude and adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) for PA were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Among the schoolchildren, 98.2% reported consuming UPFs the previous day. The schoolchildren in the “high consumption” tertile evidenced a higher intake of sugary beverages (SB), bread and savory crackers, and french fries. French fries consumption was higher among schoolchildren in the “high consumption” group compared to those in the lower tertiles (p<0.001). The bread and savory crackers group and yogurt were more consumed by those in the “moderate and high consumption” tertiles compared to the “low consumption” tertile (p<0.001). Schoolchildren in the high consumption tertile were more active (43.75% vs. 20.14%) (p<0.001), while those in the low consumption tertile were less active (44.72% vs. 21.14%) (p<0.001). A high prevalence of dyslipidemia (82.96%), excess weight (30.08%), abdominal obesity (AO) (18.3%), and no direct association between UPF consumption and excess weight and dyslipidemia were observed even after adjustment for PA (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Despite the high prevalence of dyslipidemia, excess weight, and abdominal obesity observed, no direct association between UPF consumption and these conditions was identified. The practical implications of this study highlight the relevance of public policies and educational strategies aimed at promoting healthier eating habits and encouraging the practice of physical activities among school-age children.