Consumption of ultra-processed foods and associated factors in adults: evidence from the 2008-2009 Campinas Health Survey

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed (UP) foods and associated factors among adults. We used cross-sectional data on 947 adults from the 2008-2009 Campinas Health Survey. Food consumption data were collected using the 24-h dietary recall method and food items were classified according to NOVA classification based on the nature, extent and purpose of industrial processing. Linear regression models were run to evaluate the association between the consumption UP foods and predictor variables with a 5% significance level. The average daily energy intake per capita was 2000.6 kcal and UP foods represented 24.1% of this intake. UP food consumption was higher among women and increased with the increase in schooling. Consumption was also higher among young adults between 20 and 29 years old as well as ex-smokers and individuals who were physically active at leisure. The results show that there is still time to intervene in favor of the health of the adult population. Thus, studies dedicated to the investigation of food intake from the perspective of the NOVA classification, the possible repercussions for health and the evaluation of food and nutrition actions and policies should be prioritized in the current context of Brazil.

摘要 本研究旨在评估成年人超加工食品（ultra-processed，UP）的摄入状况及其相关影响因素。研究使用了2008-2009年坎皮纳斯健康调查中947名成年人的横断面数据。通过24小时膳食回顾法收集膳食摄入数据，并依据工业加工的性质、程度与目的，采用NOVA食品分类系统（NOVA classification）对各类食品进行分类。随后构建线性回归模型，以5%的显著性水平分析超加工食品摄入与各预测变量之间的关联。结果显示，人均每日能量摄入量平均为2000.6千卡，超加工食品占总能量摄入的24.1%。女性的超加工食品摄入量更高，且摄入量随受教育程度提升而增加；20至29岁的青年成年人、既往吸烟者以及闲暇时间进行体力活动的人群，其超加工食品摄入量同样处于较高水平。本研究结果表明，当前仍有机会通过干预措施改善成年人群的健康水平。因此，在巴西当前的社会背景下，应优先开展基于NOVA食品分类系统的食物摄入调查、相关健康影响研究，以及食品与营养相关行动及政策的评估工作。