Associations between ultraprocessed and minimally processed snacks consumption and overweight/obesity among college students in South Florida

Abstract

Objective

Evaluate the association between ultraprocessed and minimally processed snack consumption and overweight/obesity among college students.

Participants

College students.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Participants completed an online survey with questions on socio-demographics, beverages and snacks consumption, and weight status. ANCOVA and logistic regression was used; analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, physical activity, and sleep duration.

Results

A total of 435 students completed all questions in the survey. Most students were female (73.3%), Hispanics (61.1%), had a mean age of 24.7-year old and 40% had overweight/obesity. Those with overweight/obesity also had higher odds of consuming soft drinks in higher frequency and quantity than those without overweight/obesity (p < .05). Never consuming unsweetened yogurt/cheese and lower frequency and consumption of fruits were associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity (p < .05).

Conclusion

Higher frequency and consumption of soft drinks while lower frequency and consumption of unsweetened yogurt/cottage cheese and fruits were associated with overweight/obesity.

Keywords:

• College students
• obesity
• snacks
• ultraprocessed

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank the study participants for their time.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Florida International University.

Authors’ contributions

EG and CP provided study design and data collection. JH and CP wrote the first draft with contributions from EG. All authors reviewed and commented on subsequent drafts of the manuscript.

Data availability statement

Data described in the manuscript, code book, and analytic code will be made available upon request pending application and approval.

Additional information

Funding

Internal funds from Florida International University.