1. Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food and Its Association with Obesity in Chilean University Students: A Multi-Center Study
- Author
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Samuel Durán-Agüero, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, Macarena Valladares, Valentina Espinoza, Francisco Mena, Gloria Oñate, Macarena Fernandez, Andres Godoy-Cumillaf, and Mirta Crovetto
- 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.
- Published
- 2023
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