Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Incidence of Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults: A Systematic Review of Prospective Studies

Abstract

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are energy-dense, nutritionally unbalanced products, low in fiber but high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Recently, UPF consumption has increased likewise the incidence of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. To highlight a possible relationship, we conducted a systematic review of prospective studies from PubMed and Web of Science investigating the association between UPF consumption and the incidence of obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors. Seventeen studies were selected. Eight evaluated the incidence of general and abdominal obesity, one the incidence of impaired fasting blood glucose, four the incidence of diabetes, two the incidence of dyslipidemia, and only one the incidence of metabolic syndrome. Studies’ quality was assessed according to the Critical Appraisal Checklist for cohort studies proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Substantial agreement emerged among the studies in defining UPF consumption as being associated with the incident risk of general and abdominal obesity. More limited was the evidence on cardiometabolic risk. Nevertheless, most studies reported that UPF consumption as being associated with an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. In conclusion, evidence supports the existence of a relationship between UPF consumption and the incidence of obesity and cardiometabolic risk. However, further longitudinal studies considering diet quality and changes over time are needed.

Higher Imported Food Patterns Are Associated with Obesity and Severe Obesity in Tuvalu: A Latent Class Analysis

“…The consumption of ultra-processed foods has been associated with a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases, including excess weight [ 36 ]. Similarly, a greater consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a greater incidence of overweight and obesity [ [37] , [38] , [39] ]. Moreover, ultra-processed foods (e.g., sugar-sweetened beverages, chips, biscuits) are typically consumed at a significantly faster rate than locally sourced foods, which are less processed and often consist of nonimported ingredients (e.g., fruits, vegetables, starches).…”

Consumption of ultra‐processed foods could influence the metabolic syndrome odds: A cross‐sectional study

“…In addition, in previous studies, the association between UPF intake and hypertriglyceridemia and reduction in HDL‐C has been shown (da Silva Scaranni et al., 2021 , 2023 ; Donat‐Vargas et al., 2021 ). Excess energy intake from UPF consumption causes obesity, which can certainly be a cause of cardiometabolic risk factors (Mambrini et al., 2023 ). Many UPFs contain high amounts of sodium, a known risk factor for hypertension (Filippini et al., 2022 ).…”

“…Moreover, added sugar causes insulin resistance in the whole body and the liver (Lustig, 2010 ). UPFs also contain saturated and trans‐fatty acids, which can increase dyslipidemia risk (Mambrini et al., 2023 ). Studies have shown the impact of trans‐fatty acids on dyslipidemia (Matthan et al., 2004 ; Mensink et al., 2003 ).…”

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

“…However, these mainly consist of cross-sectional studies (9/12 and 13/14 in two meta-analyses [ 27 , 28 ]). All eight prospective studies in one systematic demonstrated positive associations with abdominal obesity and obesity [ 29 ]. A meta-analysis of two prospective studies also demonstrated increased risks of overweight/obesity (relative risk, 1.23, 95%CI: 1.11–1.36)) [ 28 ].…”