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

Background: Global increases in ultra-processed food sales and obesity have been observed, including in Australia. Prior Australian data showed ultra-processed food intake is associated with nutrient intakes outside recommendations for obesity prevention. This study examined the association between ultra-processed food consumption and obesity among Australian adults, overall and by age group, sex and physical activity level. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 7411 adults ≥20 years from the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Dietary intake was assessed via 24-h recall and foods classified with NOVA. Anthropometry (BMI, waist circumference (WC)) was measured. Regression models evaluated associations between quintiles of dietary share of ultra-processed foods and obesity indicators, adjusting for socio-demographics, physical activity and smoking. Results: After adjustment, higher dietary share of ultra-processed foods showed significant dose-response associations with greater BMI and WC and higher odds of obesity and abdominal obesity (P-trend ≤ 0.001). Compared with the lowest quintile, the highest quintile had higher BMI (0.97 kg/m²; 95% CI 0.42, 1.51), higher WC (1.92 cm; 95% CI 0.57, 3.27), and greater odds of obesity (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.27, 2.04) and abdominal obesity (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.10, 1.72). Trends were similar across age groups, sex, and physical activity level. Conclusion: Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with obesity among Australian adults, supporting its potential role in Australia’s obesity burden.

Priscila Pereira Machado, Eurídice Martinez Steele, Renata Bertazzi Levy, Maria Laura da Costa Louzada, Anna Rangan, Julie Woods, Timothy Gill, Gyorgy Scrinis, Carlos Augusto Monteiro