The use of food processing terminology in Australian news media: a content analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine whether ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are being discussed in news media in Australia and whether this terminology, as described in the NOVA system, is being applied accurately. DESIGN: Interpretive content analysis of online and print media articles that mentioned UPFs from 2009 to 2023 in Australia. SETTING: Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Online and print media articles. RESULTS: A total of two hundred ninety-eight Australian media articles were captured. A substantial increase in the number of UPF articles was observed between 2017-2019 and 2021-2023. The UPF concept was inaccurately explained or defined in 32 % of the articles and was frequently used interchangeably with other descriptors, such as 'highly or heavily processed food', 'junk food', 'unhealthy food', 'packaged food' and 'discretionary food'. Most of the articles had a health focus; however, sustainability interest increased, particularly in the past 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: UPFs are increasingly being discussed in news media in Australia; however, the concept is still incorrectly presented in over a third of articles. This highlights the importance of improving the literacy about UPFs to ensure that messages are communicated in a way that is salient, accessible and accurate.

An analysis of the transformative potential of Australia's national food policies and policy actions to promote healthy and sustainable food systems.

OBJECTIVE: Despite commitment by many countries to promote food system transformation, Australia has yet to adopt a national food policy. This study aimed to evaluate Australian Federal Government's (AFG) food policies and policy actions potential to promote healthy and sustainable food systems. DESIGN: This study is a desk-based policy mapping followed by a theoretically guided evaluation of policy actions. This involved three steps: (1) identification of government departments and agencies that could influence Australia's food system; (2) identification of food policies and policy actions within these departments and (3) use of a conceptual framework to evaluate policy actions' potential of changing the food system as adjust (first-order change), reform (second-order change) or transform (third-order change). SETTING: Australia. PARTICIPANTS: None. RESULTS: Twenty-four food policies and sixty-two policy actions were identified across eight AFG departments and the Food Regulation System and evaluated based on the order of change they represented. Most policies were led by individual departments, reflecting the absence of a joined-up approach to food policy in Australia. Most policy actions (n 25/ 56·5 %) were evaluated as having adjust potential, whereas no transformative policy action was identified. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Australia is likely to proceed incrementally towards achieving food system change through adjustments and reforms but lacking transformative impact. To promote transformative change, all three orders of change must be strategically implemented in a coherent and coordinated matter. A comprehensive national food policy and a national coordinating body are needed to ensure a cohesive approach to policy.

Food consumption in Brazil: influence of beef on environmental impact and nutritional quality of the diet.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate beef consumption and its influence on carbon and water footprints, as well as to improve the nutritional quality of the Brazilian diet. METHODS: The amount of beef and other foods consumed was evaluated by two 24-hour food records in a representative sample of the Brazilian population ≥ 10 years of age (n = 32,853) from 2008 to 2009. The environmental impact of the diet considered the coefficients of the carbon footprint (gCO2 and/kg) and the water footprint (liters/kg) of the foods, as well as their nutritional quality considering the nutrient composition of each food associated with the prevention of nutritional deficiencies or the increase/decrease in chronic disease risk. Linear and logistic regression models, crude and adjusted for sex, age, education, income, region, and area, were used to respectively study the association of fifths of the caloric contribution of beef with the environmental impacts of the diet and inadequate nutrient intake. RESULTS: Carbon and water footprints and protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, saturated fat, and sodium contents were higher in the fraction of the diet composed of beef, whereas fiber and added sugar contents were higher in the fraction composed by the other foods. Dietary beef contribution was directly associated with the carbon and water footprints of the diet and the risk of saturated fat and sodium excess, besides fiber insufficiency, inversely associated with the risk of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 insufficiency. CONCLUSION: Reducing beef consumption in Brazil would also reduce the carbon and water footprints of the diet, as well as the risk of chronic diseases related to food. Therefore, in order not to increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, monitoring the increased intake of other foods rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 is suggested.

Ultra-processed food intake and diet carbon and water footprints: a national study in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between ultra-processed food consumption and carbon and water footprints of the Brazilian diet. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis on data collected in 2008-2009 on a probabilistic sample of the Brazilian population aged ≥ 10 years (n = 32,886). Individual food intake was assessed using two 24-hour food records, on non-consecutive days. The environmental impact of individual diets was calculated by multiplying the amount of each food by coefficients that quantify the atmospheric emissions of greenhouse gases in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent (carbon footprint) and freshwater use in liters (water footprint), both per gram or milliliter of food. The two coefficients consider the food life cycle 'from farm to fork.' Crude and adjusted linear regression models and tests for linear trends assessed the association between the ultra-processed food contribution to total energy intake (quintiles) and the diet carbon and water footprints. Potential confounders included age, sex, education, income, and region. Total energy intake was assessed as a potential mediation variable. RESULTS: In the crude models, the dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods was linearly associated with the carbon and water footprints of the Brazilian diet. After adjustment for potential confounders, the association remained significant only regarding the diet water footprint, which increased by 10.1% between the lowest and highest quintile of the contribution of ultra-processed foods. Additional adjustment for total energy intake eliminated this association indicating that the dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods increases the diet water footprint by increasing energy intake. CONCLUSIONS: The negative impact of ultra-processed foods on the diet water footprint, shown for the first time in this study, adds to the negative impacts of these foods, already demonstrated regarding dietary nutrient profiles and the risk for several chronic non-communicable diseases. This reinforces the recommendation to avoid ultra-processed foods made in the official Brazilian Dietary Guidelines and increasingly in dietary guidelines of other countries.

Ultra-processed food intake and diet carbon and water footprints: a national study in Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To study the association between ultra-processed food consumption and carbon and water footprints of the Brazilian diet. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis on data collected in 2008-2009 on a probabilistic sample of the Brazilian population aged ≥ 10 years (n = 32,886). Individual food intake was assessed using two 24-hour food records, on non-consecutive days. The environmental impact of individual diets was calculated by multiplying the amount of each food by coefficients that quantify the atmospheric emissions of greenhouse gases in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent (carbon footprint) and freshwater use in liters (water footprint), both per gram or milliliter of food. The two coefficients consider the food life cycle 'from farm to fork.' Crude and adjusted linear regression models and tests for linear trends assessed the association between the ultra-processed food contribution to total energy intake (quintiles) and the diet carbon and water footprints. Potential confounders included age, sex, education, income, and region. Total energy intake was assessed as a potential mediation variable. RESULTS In the crude models, the dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods was linearly associated with the carbon and water footprints of the Brazilian diet. After adjustment for potential confounders, the association remained significant only regarding the diet water footprint, which increased by 10.1% between the lowest and highest quintile of the contribution of ultra-processed foods. Additional adjustment for total energy intake eliminated this association indicating that the dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods increases the diet water footprint by increasing energy intake. CONCLUSIONS The negative impact of ultra-processed foods on the diet water footprint, shown for the first time in this study, adds to the negative impacts of these foods, already demonstrated regarding dietary nutrient profiles and the risk for several chronic non-communicable diseases. This reinforces the recommendation to avoid ultra-processed foods made in the official Brazilian Dietary Guidelines and increasingly in dietary guidelines of other countries.

Food consumption in Brazil: influence of beef on environmental impact and nutritional quality of the diet / Consumo alimentar no Brasil: influência da carne bovina no impacto ambiental e na qualidade nutricional da dieta

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate beef consumption and its influence on carbon and water footprints, as well as to improve the nutritional quality of the Brazilian diet. METHODS The amount of beef and other foods consumed was evaluated by two 24-hour food records in a representative sample of the Brazilian population ≥ 10 years of age (n = 32,853) from 2008 to 2009. The environmental impact of the diet considered the coefficients of the carbon footprint (gCO2 and/kg) and the water footprint (liters/kg) of the foods, as well as their nutritional quality considering the nutrient composition of each food associated with the prevention of nutritional deficiencies or the increase/decrease in chronic disease risk. Linear and logistic regression models, crude and adjusted for sex, age, education, income, region, and area, were used to respectively study the association of fifths of the caloric contribution of beef with the environmental impacts of the diet and inadequate nutrient intake. RESULTS Carbon and water footprints and protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, saturated fat, and sodium contents were higher in the fraction of the diet composed of beef, whereas fiber and added sugar contents were higher in the fraction composed by the other foods. Dietary beef contribution was directly associated with the carbon and water footprints of the diet and the risk of saturated fat and sodium excess, besides fiber insufficiency, inversely associated with the risk of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 insufficiency. CONCLUSION Reducing beef consumption in Brazil would also reduce the carbon and water footprints of the diet, as well as the risk of chronic diseases related to food. Therefore, in order not to increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, monitoring the increased intake of other foods rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 is suggested.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar o consumo de carne bovina e a sua influência nas pegadas de carbono e na pegada hídrica, bem como mesurar a qualidade nutricional da dieta no Brasil. MÉTODOS A quantidade consumida de carne bovina e dos demais alimentos foi avaliada por dois registros alimentares de 24 horas em amostra representativa da população brasileira ≥ 10 anos de idade (n = 32.853) entre 2008 e 2009. O impacto ambiental da dieta considerou os coeficientes da pegada de carbono (gCO2e/kg) e da pegada hídrica (litros/kg) dos alimentos, bem como sua qualidade nutricional considerando a composição de cada alimento em nutrientes associados à prevenção de deficiências nutricionais ou ao aumento/diminuição do risco de doenças crônicas. Modelos de regressão linear e logística, brutos e ajustados para sexo, idade, escolaridade, renda, região e área, foram utilizados para estudar, respectivamente, a associação de quintos da contribuição calórica de carne bovina com os impactos ambientais da dieta e com a ingestão inadequada de nutrientes. RESULTADOS As pegadas de carbono e hídrica e os teores de proteína, ferro, zinco, vitamina B12, gordura saturada e sódio foram maiores na fração da dieta composta por carnes bovinas, enquanto o teor de fibra e de açúcar de adição foram maiores na fração composta pelos demais alimentos. A contribuição dietética de carne bovina mostrou-se associada diretamente com as pegadas de carbono e hídrica da dieta e com o risco de ingestão excessiva de gordura saturada e de sódio, além de ingestão insuficiente de fibra, associando-se inversamente com o risco de ingestão insuficiente de proteína, ferro, zinco e vitamina B12. CONCLUSÃO A redução no consumo de carne bovina no Brasil diminuiria as pegadas de carbono e hídrica da dieta, assim como o risco de doenças crônicas relacionadas à alimentação. Portanto, para não aumentar o risco de deficiências nutricionais, é sugerido o acompanhamento do aumento da ingestão de outros alimentos fontes de proteína, ferro, zinco e vitamina B12.

Maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods and newborn exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Evolving evidence shows that ultra-processed food consumption may increase exposure to chemicals used in food packaging and production, such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, phthalates, and bisphenols. Studies suggested that these contaminants may be transferred from mother to child through placenta, increasing concerns for both maternal and child health. This study aimed to investigate the association of maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods with newborn exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the PIPA Project (The Rio Birth Cohort Study on Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development). The pilot cohort study conducted with 131 pregnant women-child pairs in a public maternity school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was assessed. Maternal dietary intake in the third trimester of pregnancy was evaluated using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Food items were classified as non-ultra-processed food and ultra-processed food using the NOVA system and regular consumption of ultra-processed foods was estimated. Newborns of pregnant women who weekly consumed three or more subgroups of ultra-processed food presented the highest level of PFAS (2.47ng/mL; 95%CI: 1.22; 3.72), compared to non-consumption of ultra-processed food investigated (0 ultra-processed food = 1.86ng/mL; 95%CI: 1.38; 2.50). Additionally, cluster analysis grouped ultra-processed food, fish, and PFAS levels. In conclusion, we found increased levels of PFAS in newborns whose mothers were higher consumers of ultra-processed foods.

Carbon footprint of the Brazilian diet.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the carbon footprint of the Brazilian diet and of sociodemographic strata of this population. METHODS: Carbon footprint of the diet was estimated based on data from two 24-hour diet records, obtained in 2008 and 2009, from a probabilistic sample of the Brazilian population aged 10 years and over (n = 34,003) and on environmental impact coefficients of food and culinary preparations consumed in Brazil (gCO2e/kg). Means with 95% confidence intervals of food consumption (kcal/person/day) and the carbon footprint of the diet (gCO2e/person/day and in gCO2e/2,000kcal) were calculated for the population as a whole and for strata according to sex, age, income, education, macro-regions and Federative Unit. Linear regression models were used to identify significant differences (p < 0.05) in the dietary carbon footprint of different sociodemographic strata. RESULTS: The average carbon footprint of the Brazilian diet was 4,489gCO2e/person/day. It was higher for males, for the age group from 20 to 49 years and for the North and Midwest regions, and tended to increase with income and education. The pattern of association of footprint with sociodemographic variables did not change substantially with adjustment for differences in the amount of food consumed, except for a reduction in the relative excess of the footprint among males and an increase in the relative excess of the footprint in the Midwest region. CONCLUSION: The carbon footprint of the Brazilian diet exceeds by about 30% the footprint of the human diet, which could simultaneously meet the nutritional requirements of a healthy diet and the global goal of containing the increase in the planet's average temperature. The pattern of association of this footprint with sociodemographic variables can help identify priority targets for public actions aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of food consumption in Brazil.

[Ultra-processed foods and dietary fiber consumption in Brazil]. / Alimentos ultraprocessados e o consumo de fibras alimentares no Brasil.

The consumption of dietary fiber in Brazil and its relationship with the intake of ultra-processed foods was evaluated. The analysis used food consumption data, with a 24-hour food record of residents aged ≥10 years (n=34.003) from the 2008-2009 Family Budgets Survey. The food products were divided into groups: in natura or minimally processed ingredients; processed culinary ingredients; processed and ultra-processed ingredients. The contribution of each food group and selected subgroups to the total fiber intake, the relation between quintiles of ultra-processed foods (evaluated by the % of total energy intake), average dietary fiber content (g/1,000kcal), and the prevalence of inadequate fiber consumption, was estimated. In natura or minimally processed foods revealed significantly higher fiber density than ultra-processed foods and corresponded to the majority percentile contribution of dietary fiber, notably derived from rice and beans. Individuals in the largest quintile of ultra-processed consumption were 1.5 times more likely to ingest inadequate fiber intake. The consumption of ultra-processed foods had a negative impact on fiber intake. Reducing the consumption of these foods can bring benefits to the quality of the Brazilian diet.

Foi avaliado o consumo de fibras alimentares no Brasil e sua relação com a ingestão de alimentos ultraprocessados. Foram utilizados dados de consumo alimentar, via registro alimentar de 24 horas, com indivíduos de idade ≥10 anos (n=34.003) oriundos da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2008-2009. Os alimentos foram divididos em grupos: in natura ou minimamente processados, ingredientes culinários processados, processados e ultraprocessados, estimando-se sua contribuição para o consumo de fibras. Verificou-se a relação entre quintos de consumo de ultraprocessados (avaliado pelo % do total de energia consumida) e teor médio de fibras na dieta (g/1.000kcal), e a prevalência de inadequação no consumo de fibras. Alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados apresentaram densidade de fibras significativamente maior do que os ultraprocessados e corresponderam à majoritária contribuição percentual de fibras na dieta, notavelmente a partir do arroz e feijão. Indivíduos do maior quintil de consumo de ultraprocessados tiveram 1,5 vez mais chance de apresentar ingestão de fibras inadequada. O consumo de ultraprocessados impactou negativamente na ingestão de fibras. Reduzir o consumo desses alimentos pode trazer benefícios à qualidade da dieta brasileira.

Alimentos ultraprocessados e o consumo de fibras alimentares no Brasil / Ultra-processed foods and dietary fiber consumption in Brazil

Resumo Foi avaliado o consumo de fibras alimentares no Brasil e sua relação com a ingestão de alimentos ultraprocessados. Foram utilizados dados de consumo alimentar, via registro alimentar de 24 horas, com indivíduos de idade ≥10 anos (n=34.003) oriundos da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2008-2009. Os alimentos foram divididos em grupos: in natura ou minimamente processados, ingredientes culinários processados, processados e ultraprocessados, estimando-se sua contribuição para o consumo de fibras. Verificou-se a relação entre quintos de consumo de ultraprocessados (avaliado pelo % do total de energia consumida) e teor médio de fibras na dieta (g/1.000kcal), e a prevalência de inadequação no consumo de fibras. Alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados apresentaram densidade de fibras significativamente maior do que os ultraprocessados e corresponderam à majoritária contribuição percentual de fibras na dieta, notavelmente a partir do arroz e feijão. Indivíduos do maior quintil de consumo de ultraprocessados tiveram 1,5 vez mais chance de apresentar ingestão de fibras inadequada. O consumo de ultraprocessados impactou negativamente na ingestão de fibras. Reduzir o consumo desses alimentos pode trazer benefícios à qualidade da dieta brasileira.

Abstract The consumption of dietary fiber in Brazil and its relationship with the intake of ultra-processed foods was evaluated. The analysis used food consumption data, with a 24-hour food record of residents aged ≥10 years (n=34.003) from the 2008-2009 Family Budgets Survey. The food products were divided into groups: in natura or minimally processed ingredients; processed culinary ingredients; processed and ultra-processed ingredients. The contribution of each food group and selected subgroups to the total fiber intake, the relation between quintiles of ultra-processed foods (evaluated by the % of total energy intake), average dietary fiber content (g/1,000kcal), and the prevalence of inadequate fiber consumption, was estimated. In natura or minimally processed foods revealed significantly higher fiber density than ultra-processed foods and corresponded to the majority percentile contribution of dietary fiber, notably derived from rice and beans. Individuals in the largest quintile of ultra-processed consumption were 1.5 times more likely to ingest inadequate fiber intake. The consumption of ultra-processed foods had a negative impact on fiber intake. Reducing the consumption of these foods can bring benefits to the quality of the Brazilian diet.

Food consumption according to the degree of processing, dietary diversity and socio-demographic factors among pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The Rio Birth Cohort Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA project).

BACKGROUND: Relevant evidence has addressed the negative impact of food processing on health. However, maternal ultra-processed food consumption is poorly investigated. AIM: To analyze food consumption according to the degree of food processing, dietary diversity, and associated socio-demographic factors during pregnancy. METHODS: Cross-sectional data was taken from a birth cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 142 pregnant women. We assessed diet using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire and classified food items according to the NOVA classification system as non-ultra-processed-foods and ultra-processed-foods. Non-ultra-processed-food and ultra-processed-food scores were calculated, reflecting weekly intake of more than one subgroup. Dietary diversity of the non-ultra-processed-food diet fraction was described according to the Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines. The association between food consumption and socio-demographic factors were investigated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Over 60% of the pregnant women reported consumption of at least three non-ultra-processed-food groups. However, only 25% had adequate dietary diversity. The level of education (Complete high school: odds ratio, 5.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-16.65) was associated with regular intake of "meat and eggs." Among the ultra-processed-food score, 27% of the participants described a weekly consumption of at least two ultra-processed-food subgroups. White women (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-6.63) had a higher chance of reporting "packaged ready meals" consumption. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high weekly consumption of ultra-processed-food subgroups and low dietary diversity of the non-ultra-processed-food fraction of the diet of pregnant women in Brazil. Our results elucidate the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on diet quality during pregnancy.

Carbon footprint of the Brazilian diet / Pegada de carbono da dieta no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To estimate the carbon footprint of the Brazilian diet and of sociodemographic strata of this population. METHODS: Carbon footprint of the diet was estimated based on data from two 24-hour diet records, obtained in 2008 and 2009, from a probabilistic sample of the Brazilian population aged 10 years and over (n = 34,003) and on environmental impact coefficients of food and culinary preparations consumed in Brazil (gCO2e/kg). Means with 95% confidence intervals of food consumption (kcal/person/day) and the carbon footprint of the diet (gCO2e/person/day and in gCO2e/2,000kcal) were calculated for the population as a whole and for strata according to sex, age, income, education, macro-regions and Federative Unit. Linear regression models were used to identify significant differences (p < 0.05) in the dietary carbon footprint of different sociodemographic strata. RESULTS: The average carbon footprint of the Brazilian diet was 4,489gCO2e/person/day. It was higher for males, for the age group from 20 to 49 years and for the North and Midwest regions, and tended to increase with income and education. The pattern of association of footprint with sociodemographic variables did not change substantially with adjustment for differences in the amount of food consumed, except for a reduction in the relative excess of the footprint among males and an increase in the relative excess of the footprint in the Midwest region. CONCLUSION: The carbon footprint of the Brazilian diet exceeds by about 30% the footprint of the human diet, which could simultaneously meet the nutritional requirements of a healthy diet and the global goal of containing the increase in the planet's average temperature. The pattern of association of this footprint with sociodemographic variables can help identify priority targets for public actions aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of food consumption in Brazil.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Estimar a pegada de carbono da dieta brasileira e de estratos sociodemográficos dessa população. MÉTODOS: A pegada de carbono da dieta foi estimada com base nos dados de dois registros alimentares de 24 horas, obtidos em 2008 e 2009, de uma amostra probabilística da população brasileira com 10 ou mais anos de idade (n = 34.003) e em coeficientes de impacto ambiental de alimentos e preparações culinárias consumidos no Brasil (gCO2e/kg). Médias com intervalos de confiança de 95% do consumo alimentar (kcal/pessoa/dia) e da pegada de carbono da dieta (gCO2e/pessoa/dia e em gCO2e/2.000kcal) foram calculadas para o conjunto da população e para estratos segundo sexo, idade, renda, escolaridade, macrorregiões e Unidade Federativa. Modelos de regressão linear foram utilizados para identificar diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) na pegada de carbono da dieta de diferentes estratos sociodemográficos. RESULTADOS: A pegada média de carbono da dieta brasileira foi de 4.489gCO2e/pessoa/dia. Foi maior para o sexo masculino, para a faixa etária de 20 a 49 anos e para as regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste, e tendeu a aumentar com a renda e a escolaridade. O padrão de associação da pegada a variáveis sociodemográficas não se alterou substancialmente com o ajuste para diferenças na quantidade consumida de alimentos, exceto por uma redução no excesso relativo da pegada entre homens e pelo aumento no excesso relativo da pegada na região Centro-Oeste. CONCLUSÃO: A pegada de carbono da dieta brasileira excede em cerca de 30% a pegada da dieta humana que poderia atender, simultaneamente, os requisitos nutricionais de uma dieta saudável e a meta global de contenção do aumento da temperatura média do planeta. O padrão de associação dessa pegada às variáveis sociodemográficas pode auxiliar na identificação de alvos prioritários para ações públicas que visem a reduzir os impactos ambientais do consumo alimentar no Brasil.

Maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods and newborn exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) / Maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods and newborn exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) / O consumo materno de alimentos ultraprocessados e exposição intrauterina a compostos perfluoroalquil (PFAS) / Consumo materno de comidas ultraprocesadas y exposición de recién nacidos a sustancias perfluoroalquílicas (PFAS)

Abstract: Evolving evidence shows that ultra-processed food consumption may increase exposure to chemicals used in food packaging and production, such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, phthalates, and bisphenols. Studies suggested that these contaminants may be transferred from mother to child through placenta, increasing concerns for both maternal and child health. This study aimed to investigate the association of maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods with newborn exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the PIPA Project (The Rio Birth Cohort Study on Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development). The pilot cohort study conducted with 131 pregnant women-child pairs in a public maternity school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was assessed. Maternal dietary intake in the third trimester of pregnancy was evaluated using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Food items were classified as non-ultra-processed food and ultra-processed food using the NOVA system and regular consumption of ultra-processed foods was estimated. Newborns of pregnant women who weekly consumed three or more subgroups of ultra-processed food presented the highest level of PFAS (2.47ng/mL; 95%CI: 1.22; 3.72), compared to non-consumption of ultra-processed food investigated (0 ultra-processed food = 1.86ng/mL; 95%CI: 1.38; 2.50). Additionally, cluster analysis grouped ultra-processed food, fish, and PFAS levels. In conclusion, we found increased levels of PFAS in newborns whose mothers were higher consumers of ultra-processed foods.

Resumo: Evidências crescentes demonstram que o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados pode aumentar a exposição a substâncias químicas utilizadas na produção e embalagem desses alimentos, como os compostos per- e polifluoroalquil, ftalatos e bisfenóis. Os estudos sugerem que esses contaminantes podem ser transferidos da mãe para o feto pela via transplacentária, o que aumenta as preocupações em relação à saúde tanto materna quanto infantil. O estudo buscou investigar a associação entre o consumo materno de alimentos ultraprocessados e a exposição intrauterina aos compostos perfluoroalquil (PFAS) no Projeto PIPA Rio - Projeto Infância e Poluentes Ambientais. Foi avaliada a coorte-piloto com 131 pares gestante-feto em uma maternidade-escola pública no Rio de Janeiro. A ingestão materna no terceiro trimestre da gestação foi avaliada com um questionário qualitativo de frequência alimentar. Os itens alimentares foram classificados entre não ultraprocessados e ultraprocessados, usando o sistema NOVA, e foi estimado o consumo regular de ultraprocessados. Os PFAS foram medidos no sangue do cordão umbilical. Os recém-nascidos de mães que haviam consumido três ou mais subgrupos de ultraprocessados por semana apresentaram os níveis séricos mais elevados de PFAS (2,47ng/mL; IC95%: 1,22; 3,72), comparado com nenhum consumo dos subgrupos de alimentos ultraprocessados (0 alimento ultraprocessado = 1,86ng/mL; IC95%: 1,38; 2,50). Além disso, a análise de clusters agrupou ultraprocessados, peixe e níveis de PFAS. Em conclusão, o estudo mostrou níveis elevados de PFAS em neonatos de gestantes com maior consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados.

Resumen: Evidencias recientes han mostrado que el consumo de comida ultraprocesada puede incrementar la exposición a sustancias químicas usadas en el empaquetado de comida y producción, tales como las sustancias per- y poli- fluoroalquílicas, ftalatos, y bisfenoles. Los estudios han sugerido que estos contaminantes pueden transmitirse de la madre al niño, a través de la placenta, incrementando los problemas de salud de la madre y el niño. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la asociación del consumo materno de comidas ultraprocesadas con la exposición de los recién nacidos a las sustancias perfluoroalquílicas (PFAS) en el Proyecto PIPA (Estudio de Cohorte de Nacimiento en Río sobre la Exposición Ambiental y Desarrollo en la Infancia). El estudio de la cohorte piloto evaluó a parejas constituidas por 131 mujeres embarazadas y sus hijo/as en una escuela de maternidad pública en Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Se evaluó la ingesta alimentaria materna en el tercer trimestre de embarazo, usando un cuestionario de calidad de frecuencia de la comida. Los ítems alimentarios fueron clasificados como no-comida ultraprocesada y comida ultraprocesada usando el sistema NOVA y se estimó el consumo regular de comidas ultraprocesadas. Las PFAS se determinaron en la sangre del cordón umbilical. Los recién nacidos de mujeres embarazadas que consumieron tres o más subgrupos de comidas ultraprocesada semanalmente presentaron el nivel más alto de PFAS (2,47ng/mL; IC95%: 1,22; 3,72), comparado con ninguno consumo de comida ultraprocesada (0 comida ultraprocesada = 1,86ng/mL; IC95%: 1,38; 2,50). Asimismo, el análisis de conglomerados agrupó comida ultraprocesada, pescado y niveles de PFAS. En conclusión, se encontraron niveles elevados de PFAS en recién nacidos, cuyas madres eran grandes consumidoras de comidas ultraprocesadas.

Ultra-processed food consumption and obesity in the Australian adult population.

BACKGROUND: Rapid simultaneous increases in ultra-processed food sales and obesity prevalence have been observed worldwide, including in Australia. Consumption of ultra-processed foods by the Australian population was previously shown to be systematically associated with increased risk of intakes of nutrients outside levels recommended for the prevention of obesity. This study aims to explore the association between ultra-processed food consumption and obesity among the Australian adult population and stratifying by age group, sex and physical activity level. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of anthropometric and dietary data from 7411 Australians aged ≥20 years from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-2012 was performed. Food consumption was evaluated through 24-h recall. The NOVA system was used to identify ultra-processed foods, i.e. industrial formulations manufactured from substances derived from foods and typically added of flavours, colours and other cosmetic additives, such as soft drinks, confectionery, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, microwaveable frozen meals and fast food dishes. Measured weight, height and waist circumference (WC) data were used to calculate the body mass index (BMI) and diagnosis of obesity and abdominal obesity. Regression models were used to evaluate the association of dietary share of ultra-processed foods (quintiles) and obesity indicators, adjusting for socio-demographic variables, physical activity and smoking. RESULTS: Significant (P-trend ≤ 0.001) direct dose-response associations between the dietary share of ultra-processed foods and indicators of obesity were found after adjustment. In the multivariable regression analysis, those in the highest quintile of ultra-processed food consumption had significantly higher BMI (0.97 kg/m2; 95% CI 0.42, 1.51) and WC (1.92 cm; 95% CI 0.57, 3.27) and higher odds of having obesity (OR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.27, 2.04) and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.10, 1.72) compared with those in the lowest quintile of consumption. Subgroup analyses showed that the trend towards positive associations for all obesity indicators remained in all age groups, sex and physical activity level. CONCLUSION: The findings add to the growing evidence that ultra-processed food consumption is associated with obesity and support the potential role of ultra-processed foods in contributing to obesity in Australia.

Parents' cooking skills confidence reduce children's consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations requiring little if any preparation before consumption. Their consumption is increasing in many countries and one of the possible determinants is the decrease in home cooking. As parents are key for family meals, we analysed the influence of parents' cooking skills confidence on children's consumption of ultra-processed foods at dinner. This is a cross-sectional study with 657 child-parent pairs from nine private schools in São Paulo, Brazil. Food consumption data were collected using two children's dinner dietary recalls while the Cooking Skills Index was used to collect parents' cooking skills, measuring their confidence in their own skills related to cooking 'from scratch', according to the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. Food items were classified according to the NOVA classification system, considering the nature, extension and purpose of food processing. We used linear regression models to test associations between parents' cooking skills confidence and the contribution of ultra-processed foods to total energy intake at dinner, adjusting for socio-demographic variables. Parents' mean age was 38.3 and children's mean age was 7.8. These parents were mostly women, white, married, employed, with full secondary education and per capita household incomes up to ~ USD 320.00/month. They reached an average of 78.8 points (SD 14.8) in the Cooking Skills Index. Children's mean energy intake at dinner was 672.2 kcal (31.3% from ultra-processed foods). The increase in parents' cooking skills confidence was directly associated with decrease in consumption of ultra-processed foods (ß = -0.17; p = 0.007), which remained after adjustment (ß = -0.15; p = 0.026). These findings suggest that parents' cooking skills confidence potentially protect their children against ultra-processed foods, indicating the need for revaluing cooking to promote healthy eating.

Ultra-processed food consumption drives excessive free sugar intake among all age groups in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contribution of ultra-processed foods to the intake of free sugars among different age groups in Australia. METHODS: Dietary intakes of 12,153 participants from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2011-12) aged 2+ years were evaluated. Food items collected through two 24-h recalls were classified according to the NOVA system. The contribution of each NOVA food group and their subgroups to total energy intake was determined by age group. Mean free sugar content in diet fractions made up exclusively of ultra-processed foods, or of processed foods, or of a combination of un/minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients (which includes table sugar and honey) were compared. Across quintiles of the energy contribution of ultra-processed foods, differences in the intake of free sugars, as well as in the prevalence of excessive free sugar intake (≥ 10% of total energy) were examined. RESULTS: Ultra-processed foods had the highest energy contribution among children, adolescents and adults in Australia, with older children and adolescents the highest consumers (53.1% and 54.3% of total energy, respectively). The diet fraction restricted to ultra-processed items contained significantly more free sugars than the two other diet fractions. Among all age groups, a positive and statistically significant linear association was found between quintiles of ultra-processed food consumption and both the average intake of free sugars and the prevalence of excessive free sugar intake. CONCLUSION: Ultra-processed food consumption drives excessive free sugar intake among all age groups in Australia.

Eating meals with parents is associated with better quality of diet for Brazilian adolescents. / Fazer refeições com os pais está associado à maior qualidade da alimentação de adolescentes brasileiros.

The objective was to investigate how often Brazilian adolescents eat meals with their parents and verify the association between this habit and quality of the diet. Data were from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE-2015). The sample consisted of adolescents enrolled in the ninth grade in public and private schools, ranging in age from 11 to 19 years. The target exposure was eating meals with parents (0-4 and ≥ 5 days/week) and the outcomes were frequent consumption (≥ 5 days/week) of healthy and unhealthy dietary markers. Healthy diet scores (range 0-21) and unhealthy diet scores (range 0-35) were based on total days that the adolescent reported consuming each of the dietary markers. Poisson and linear regression models were used, adjusted by sociodemographic variables. Frequent sharing of meals with parents (≥ 5 days/week) was seen in 74% (95%CI: 73.4-74.7) of the adolescents. Those reporting this habit showed higher likelihood of frequent consumption of beans (PR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.19-1.26), fruits (PR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.28-1.39), and vegetables (PR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.34-1.44), and lower likelihood of frequent consumption of sweets (PR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.88-0.94), ultra-processed salty foods (PR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.87-0.94), and fried salty snacks (PR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.80-0.90). Eating meals with parents was positively associated with healthy diet scores and inversely associated with unhealthy diet scores . Eating meals with parents is a common habit in Brazilian adolescents and is associated with better quality of diet.

O objetivo foi investigar a frequência com que os adolescentes brasileiros realizam as refeições com os pais e verificar a associação deste hábito com a qualidade da dieta. Foram utilizados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar - 2015 (PeNSE). A amostra foi composta por adolescentes matriculados no nono ano do ensino fundamental de escolas públicas e privadas, com idades entre 11 e 19 anos. A exposição de interesse foi realizar refeições com os pais (0-4 e ≥ 5 dias/semana) e os desfechos estudados foram consumo frequente (≥ 5 dias/semana) de alimentos marcadores de alimentação saudável e não saudável. Escores de alimentação saudável (variação 0-21) e não saudável (variação 0-35) foram elaborados com base no somatório dos dias que o adolescente relatou consumir cada um dos marcadores de alimentação. Foram usados modelos de regressão de Poisson e linear, ajustados por variáveis sociodemográficas. A realização frequente de refeições com os pais (≥ 5 dias/semana) foi observada em 74% (IC95%: 73,4-74,7) dos adolescentes. Aqueles que afirmaram ter esse hábito apresentaram maior probabilidade do consumo frequente de feijão (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,19-1,26), frutas (RP = 1,34; IC95%: 1,28-1,39) e hortaliças (RP = 1,39; IC95%: 1,34-1,44); e menor probabilidade de consumo frequente de guloseimas (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,88-0,94), ultraprocessados salgados (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,87-0,94) e salgados fritos (RP = 0,85; IC95%: 0,80-0,90). Realizar as refeições com os pais foi positivamente associado ao escores de alimentação saudável e inversamente associado ao escores de alimentação não saudável. O hábito de realizar refeições com os pais é frequente entre adolescentes brasileiros e está associado à melhor qualidade da alimentação.

El objetivo fue investigar la frecuencia con la que los adolescentes brasileños comen con los padres y verificar la asociación de este hábito con la calidad de la dieta. Se utilizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud del Escolar - 2015 (PeNSE). La muestra estaba compuesta por adolescentes matriculados en el noveno año de enseñanza fundamental de escuelas públicas y privadas, con edades entre 11 y 19 años. La exposición de interés fue realizar comidas con los padres (0-4 y ≥ 5 días/semana) y los resultados estudiados fueron consumo frecuente (≥ 5 días/semana) de alimentos marcadores de alimentación saludable y no saludable. Los marcadores de alimentación saludable (variación 0-21) y no saludable (variación 0-35) se elaboraron basándose en el sumatorio de los días en los que el adolescente informó consumir cada uno de los marcadores de alimentación. Se usaron modelos de regresión de Poisson y lineales, ajustados por variables sociodemográficas. La realización frecuente de comidas con los padres (≥ 5 días/semana) se observó en un 74% (IC95%: 73,4-74,7) de los adolescentes. Aquellos que afirmaron tener ese hábito presentaron una mayor probabilidad de consumo frecuente de frijoles (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,19-1,26), frutas (RP = 1,34; IC95%: 1,28-1,39) y hortalizas (RP = 1,39; IC95%: 1,34-1,44); y menor probabilidad de consumo frecuente de golosinas (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,88-0,94), aperitivos ultraprocesados (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,87-0,94) y aperitivos fritos (RP = 0,85; IC95%: 0,80-0,90). Realizar las comidas con los padres estuvo positivamente asociado al marcadores de alimentación saludable e inversamente asociado al marcadores de alimentación no saludable. El hábito de realizar comidas con los padres es frecuente entre adolescentes brasileños y está asociado a una mejor calidad de la alimentación.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods decreases the quality of the overall diet of middle-aged Japanese adults.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the consumption of ultra-processed foods and determine its association with dietary quality among middle-aged Japanese adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using data from the Saitama Prefecture Health and Nutrition Survey 2011. Dietary intake was assessed using one- or two-day dietary records. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were obtained via self-administered questionnaire. Food items were classified according to the NOVA system into four groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods; processed culinary ingredients; processed foods; and ultra-processed foods. The dietary share of each NOVA food group and their subgroups was calculated in relation to total energy intake, and the average dietary content of key nutrients was determined across tertiles of the dietary energy share of ultra-processed foods (low, middle and high intake). SETTING: Saitama Prefecture in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling adults aged 30-59 years (256 men, 361 women). RESULTS: Consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods contributed 44·9 (se 0·8) %, 5·5 (se 0·2) %, 11·3 (se 0·4) % and 38·2 (se 0·9) % of total daily energy intake, respectively. A positive and statistically significant linear trend was found between the dietary share of ultra-processed foods (tertiles) and the dietary content of total and saturated fat, while an inverse relationship was observed for protein, vitamin K, vitamin B6, dietary fibre, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with decreased dietary quality among Japanese adults.

Association between watching TV whilst eating and children's consumption of ultraprocessed foods in United Kingdom.

This study aimed to assess the association between watching TV whilst eating and consumption of ultraprocessed foods amongst children aged 4-10 years old in the United Kingdom. Cross-sectional data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS 2008-2012) were analysed. Dietary data were derived from 4-day food diaries of 1,277 children, and the dietary contribution of ultraprocessed foods was assessed. Meals were classified based on time of day in which foods were consumed (lunch: 11 pm-3 pm and dinner: 6 pm-9 pm). Crude and adjusted linear regression models were employed to verify the effect of watching TV during meals on dietary contribution of ultraprocessed foods (% of total energy intake). More than 70% of the children watched TV during meals, and 31.4% presented the behaviour on both "lunch and dinner." Children's mean total energy intake was 1,532.3 kcal/day, of which 65.8% came from ultraprocessed foods. Findings indicated that children who watched TV whilst having both meals (lunch and dinner) consumed on average 85.5 kcal/day and 6.1% more energy from ultraprocessed foods than those who did not. Children who watched TV only during dinner consumed on average 37.1 kcal/day and 3.4% more energy from ultraprocessed foods than those who did not. The behaviour of watching TV whilst eating meals was associated with higher total daily consumption of ultraprocessed foods by children in the United Kingdom. Therefore, interventions designed to promote healthy eating habits should include aspects related to the context of meals.

Consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, qualidade nutricional da dieta e obesidade na população australiana / Consumption of ultra-processed foods, nutritional dietary quality and obesity in the Australian population

Introdução: Este estudo é parte do projeto temático "Consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, perfil nutricional da dieta e obesidade em sete países". O rápido aumento nas vendas de alimentos ultraprocessados em paralelo ao aumento nas prevalências de obesidade e outras doenças crônicas não-transmissíveis (DCNTs) tem sido observado em todo o mundo, inclusive na Austrália. Objetivo: Esta tese tem como objetivo estudar o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e sua influência sobre a qualidade nutricional da dieta e a ocorrência de obesidade na população australiana. Métodos: Estudo transversal em que foram analisados dados de consumo alimentar de uma amostra representativa da população australiana com dois ou mais anos de idade participantes da pesquisa National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2011-12) (n=12.153). Todos os itens de consumo alimentar, coletados por meio de dois recordatórios de 24-horas, foram classificados nos quatro grupos da classificação NOVA, que considera a extensão e o propósito do processamento industrial de alimentos (alimentos in natura e minimamente processados, ingredientes culinários processados, alimentos processados, e alimentos ultraprocessados). Alimentos ultraprocessados são formulações industriais de substâncias extraídas ou derivadas de alimentos, em sua maioria de uso exclusivamente industrial, contendo pouco ou nenhum alimento inteiro e tipicamente adicionados de corantes, aromatizantes e outros aditivos cosméticos. O primeiro manuscrito da tese descreve o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados na Austrália (população >=2 anos de idade) e sua associação com a ingestão de nutrientes preditores de obesidade e outras DCNTs (i.e. açúcar livre, gorduras total, saturada e trans, fibra, sódio, potássio, e densidade energética da fração sólida da dieta). O segundo manuscrito explora a contribuição de alimentos ultraprocessados para a ingestão e o consumo excessivo (>=10% do total energético) de açúcar livre em diferentes grupos etários (crianças de 2-5 anos de idade, crianças de 6-11 anos, adolescentes (12-19 anos), adultos de 20-64 anos e idosos >=65 anos). O terceiro manuscrito analisa a associação entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e a ocorrência de obesidade em adultos australianos. Resultados: Alimentos ultraprocessados foram os que mais contribuíram para o consumo alimentar diário do conjunto da população (42,0% do total de energia), sendo as crianças maiores de cinco anos e adolescentes os maiores consumidores desses alimentos (53,1% e 54,3% do total energético, respectivamente). Com o aumento da participação de alimentos ultraprocessados na dieta, esses alimentos tendem a substituir os alimentos in natura e minimamente processados e suas preparações culinárias. Associações diretas, significativas (p<0,001) e relações dose-resposta foram observadas entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e o conteúdo ou probabilidade de consumo inadequado de açúcar livre, gorduras total, saturada e trans, sódio e densidade energética da dieta, ao passo que o inverso foi observado para a ingestão de fibra e potássio. Em todos os grupos etários observou-se a associação direta e estatisticamente significativa (p<0,001) entre quintos de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e o conteúdo de açúcar livre na dieta, bem como o consumo excessivo deste nutriente. Associações diretas, significativas (p<0,05) e relações dose-resposta foram observadas entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e indicadores de obesidade após controle para as variáveis de confusão estudadas. Adultos australianos do quintil superior de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados apresentaram maior índice de massa corporal (0,97 kg/m², IC 95% 0,42; 1,51), maior circunferência da cintura (1,92 cm, IC 95% 0,57; 3,27) e maiores chances de serem obesos (IMC>=30kg/m2) (OR=1,61, IC 95% 1,27; 2,04) ou apresentarem obesidade abdominal (OR=1,38, IC 95% 1,10; 1,72) em comparação àqueles do quintil inferior. Conclusões: Na Austrália, a elevada contribuição de alimentos ultraprocessados na dieta impacta negativamente no consumo dos grupos de alimentos não-ultraprocessados e em todos os nutrientes preditores de DCNTs, se relaciona ao consumo excessivo de açúcares livres em todas as faixas etárias e está associado à ocorrência de obesidade em adultos. Este estudo soma ao corpo crescente de evidências que mostram que o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados está associado a uma deterioração geral das dietas e à ocorrência ou aumento no risco de obesidade, e sugere que a diminuição do consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados pode trazer benefícios substanciais para a qualidade da dieta e indicadores de obesidade na Austrália.

Introduction: This study is part of the thematic project "Consumption of ultra-processed foods, dietary nutrient profile and obesity in seven countries". A rapid simultaneous increase in the sales of ultra-processed foods and the prevalence of obesity and other diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been observed worldwide, including in Australia. Objective: This thesis aims to describe the consumption of ultra-processed foods, and its influence on the nutritional dietary quality and the risk of obesity in the Australian population. Methods: Cross-sectional study in which dietary intakes of a nationally representative sample of the Australian population aged 2+ years from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2011-12) were evaluated (n=12,153). Food items collected through two 24-hour recalls were classified into the four groups of the NOVA system, a food classification based on the extent and purpose of industrial food processing (unprocessed and minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods). Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations of substances extracted or derived from foods, mostly of exclusive industrial use, with little if any whole food and typically added of flavours, colours and other cosmetic additives. Manuscript 1 describes the consumption of ultra-processed foods in Australia (population aged >=2 years) and its association with intake of nutrients linked to NCDs (i.e. free sugars, total, saturated and trans fats, fibre, sodium, potassium and dietary energy density). Manuscript 2 explores the contribution of ultra-processed foods to the intake and excessive intake (>=10% of total energy) of free sugars among different age groups (children aged 2-5 years, children aged 6-11 years, adolescents (12-19 years old), adults aged 20-64 years and elderly >=65 years old). Manuscript 3 assesses the association between ultra-processed food consumption and obesity indicators among Australian adults. Results: Ultra-processed foods had the highest energy contribution in the overall Australian diet (42.0% of energy intake), with older children and adolescents the highest consumers of these foods (53.1% e 54.3% of energy intake, respectively). As ultra-processed food consumption increases, these foods tend to displace unprocessed and minimally processed foods and their culinary preparations. Significant (p<0.001) direct dose- response associations were found between the dietary share of ultra-processed foods and the dietary content of or the probability of inadequate intake of free sugars, total, saturated and trans fats, sodium and the dietary energy density, whilst the inverse was found in the intake of fibre and potassium. Among all age groups, a positive and statistically significant (p<0.001) linear association was found between quintiles of ultra-processed food consumption and both the intake of free sugars and the excessive free sugars intake. Significant (p<0.05) direct dose-response associations between the dietary share of ultra-processed foods and indicators of obesity were found after adjusting for all studied confounders. Australian adults in the highest quintile of ultra-processed food consumption had higher body mass index (0.97 kg/m², 95%CI 0.42; 1.51), greater waist circumference (1.92 cm, 95%CI 0.57; 3.27), and higher odds of being obese (BMI>=30kg/m2) (OR=1.61, 95%CI 1.27; 2.04) and presenting abdominal obesity (OR=1.38, 95%CI 1.10; 1.72) compared with those in the lowest quintile of consumption. Conclusions: In Australia, the high energy contribution of ultra-processed foods impacts negatively on the intake of non-ultra-processed foods and on all nutrients linked to NCDs, drives excessive free sugars intake among all age groups, and is associated with obesity among adults. This study adds to the growing evidence that ultra-processed food consumption is associated with an overall deterioration of the nutritional quality of diets, and with or increases the risk of obesity, as well as suggests that decreasing the dietary share of ultra-processed foods would substantially improve the diet quality and obesity indicators in Australia.