Consumption of ultra-processed food and its association with obesity in Chilean university students: A multi-center study

Abstract

Objective

To explore the associations between the consumption of three categories of ultra-processed food (sugary beverages, sweet, and salty snacks) and body mass index (BMI) among Chilean university students.

Methods

We conducted a multi-center, descriptive study among 2,039 students from 6 Chilean universities. Food consumption was surveyed using a validate food survey. That height and body weight were objectively measured to calculate BMI for determining weight status, and also, tobacco use and physical activity were measured.

Results

An intake equal to or higher than 1 serving of sugary beverage a day was associated with greater odds of obesity in university students (OR:1.32 [95% CI: 1.00, 1.74]), 2 servings/day (OR: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.50]), and 3 servings/day (OR: 1.39 [95% CI: 1.05, 1.80]). Neither consumption of sweet nor salty snacks (≥1 servings/day) related to differential odds of obesity: (OR: 0.83 [95% CI: 0.42, 1.64]) and (OR: 1.79 [95% CI: 0.93, 3.41]), respectively.

Conclusion

In a sample of Chilean university students, consumption of sugary beverages, and not consumption of sweet or salty snacks, was associated with obesity.

Keywords:

• Obesity
• snacks
• sugary beverages
• ultra-processed
• university students

Author contributions

SDA and PVB designed the study, carried it out, analyzed the data, and wrote the article; SDA, PVB, MC, VE, FM, GO, MF, AGC, and MC carried it out, analyzed the data, and wrote the article.

Conflict of interest disclosure

This study was conducted according to the guidelines laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki and all procedures involving human subjects were approved by the Universidad Católica de Temuco of the ethics committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.