Ultraprocessed Food Consumption in Early Childhood Tied to Obesity

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 5, 2025 (HealthDay News) — High ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption during early childhood is associated with obesity development, primarily in males, according to a study published online Jan. 31 in JAMA Network Open.

Zheng Hao Chen, from University of Toronto, and colleagues examined the associations among UPF intake, anthropometric adiposity indicators, and obesity status in Canadian children. The analysis included 2,217 participants in the CHILD Cohort Study, with anthropometric adiposity indicators measured at 5 years of age.

The researchers found that higher UPF intake at 3 years of age was associated with higher anthropometric adiposity indicators at 5 years of age, with results primarily driven by males. For every 10 percent UPF energy increase in males, there was an association with higher adiposity indicator z scores for body mass index (β, 0.08), waist-to-height ratio (β, 0.07), and subscapular (β, 0.12) and triceps (β, 0.09) skinfold thickness. Higher odds were also observed for living with overweight or obesity (odds ratio, 1.19). Among females, there were no significant associations.

“These findings can inform public health messages directed to educate caregivers on the long-term health impact of UPF in relation to the prevention of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities,” the authors write.

Abstract/Full Text