A recent longitudinal study on Canadian children published in Journal of the American Medical Association has provided significant insights into the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake during preschool years and subsequent anthropometric adiposity indicators, particularly among males. The study, one of the largest of its kind in Canada, highlights the growing concern over UPF consumption in early childhood and its potential role in obesity development.
The study assessed 2,217 children, analyzing their dietary patterns at age 3 and their growth outcomes at age 5. Researchers found that on average, 45.0% of the total daily energy intake among children came from UPF. "We saw that ultra-processed foods contributed to almost half of a child’s total daily energy intake,” says Kozeta Miliku, assistant professor of nutritional sciences at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
Unprocessed and minimally processed foods made up 37.5% of the total daily energy intake, while processed culinary ingredients and processed foods contributed 2.4% and 15.1%, respectively. Interestingly, UPF intake was slightly higher among males (46.0%) than females (43.9%), a difference that later reflected in the study’s findings on obesity risk.
The study’s findings indicated a strong association between increased UPF consumption at age 3 and higher body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio, and skinfold thickness measurements at age 5. A 10% increase in UPF intake was linked to notable increases in BMI z-scores, subscapular skinfold thickness, and triceps skinfold thickness. These associations were particularly pronounced among boys, with multivariable-adjusted analyses showing a significant correlation between higher UPF intake and increased adiposity indicators. However, among girls, no statistically significant associations were observed.
While overall UPF intake at age 3 was not significantly associated with overweight or obesity status at age 5 in the general population, the study did find a notable effect among boys. Boys with higher UPF consumption had a 19% increased likelihood of being overweight or obese by age 5. This suggests that while UPF intake may not immediately translate to obesity in all children, it plays a role in increasing the risk, particularly for males.
Given that dietary patterns established in early childhood often persist into adulthood, these findings have critical public health implications. Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide, and excessive UPF consumption may be a key driver. The fact that almost half of Canadian preschoolers' energy intake comes from UPF highlights the need for interventions to promote healthier eating habits early in life.
Policymakers and healthcare professionals may need to consider strategies such as improved food labeling, public education on nutrition, and support for parents in providing minimally processed food options. Schools and childcare facilities can also play a role in ensuring that meals offered to young children prioritize whole, unprocessed foods.
Sources: Journal of the American Medical Association, EurekAlert