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. 2022 Aug;61(5):2297-2311.
doi: 10.1007/s00394-022-02873-4. Epub 2022 Mar 24.

Ultra-processed foods and obesity and adiposity parameters among children and adolescents: a systematic review

Ramona De Amicis  1 , Sara Paola Mambrini  1   2 , Marta Pellizzari  1 , Andrea Foppiani  1 , Simona Bertoli  1   3 , Alberto Battezzati  1 , Alessandro Leone  4
Affiliations

Ultra-processed foods and obesity and adiposity parameters among children and adolescents: a systematic review

Ramona De Amicis et al. Eur J Nutr. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose: According to the NOVA classification, ultra-processed foods are products made through physical, biological and chemical processes and typically with multiple ingredients and additives, in which whole foods are mostly or entirely absent. From a nutritional point of view, they are typically energy-dense foods high in fat, sugar, and salt and low in fiber. The association between the consumption of ultra-processed food and obesity and adiposity measurements has been established in adults. However, the situation remains unclear in children and adolescents.

Methods: We carried out a systematic review, in which we summarize observational studies investigating the association between the consumption of ultra-processed food, as defined by NOVA classification, and obesity and adiposity parameters among children and adolescents. A literature search was performed using PUBMED and Web of Science databases for relevant articles published prior to May 2021.

Results: Ten studies, five longitudinal and five cross-sectional, mainly conducted in Brazil, were included in this review. Four longitudinal studies in children with a follow-up longer than 4 years found a positive association between the consumption of ultra-processed food and obesity and adiposity parameters, whereas cross-sectional studies failed to find an association.

Conclusion: These data suggest that a consistent intake of ultra-processed foods over time is needed to impact nutritional status and body composition of children and adolescents. Further well-designed prospective studies worldwide are needed to confirm these findings considering country-related differences in dietary habits and food production technologies.

Keywords: Abdominal fat; Adolescents; Body fat; Children; Obesity; Ultra-processed food.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors do not have any conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram of study selection for systematic review
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Critical Appraisal Checklist for cross-sectional (A) and cohort (B) studies
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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