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

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 (OR1.32 [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.