Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Obesity: A Narrative Review of Their Association and Potential Mechanisms

Obesity is a major global health concern, with diet playing a crucial role in its development and treatment. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become prevalent in diets due to changes in the food environment. These foods are energy-dense; high in fat, sugars, or salt; and low in fiber, protein, vita...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Jee-Seon Shim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Korean Society for the Study of Obesity 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.jomes.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.7570/jomes24045
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Obesity is a major global health concern, with diet playing a crucial role in its development and treatment. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become prevalent in diets due to changes in the food environment. These foods are energy-dense; high in fat, sugars, or salt; and low in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, raising concerns about their effects on health. In addition to traditional research focused on nutrients, food, and dietary quality, growing evidence has linked UPF consumption to obesity. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive review of the levels and trends of UPF consumption, current epidemiological evidence on the association between UPF consumption and obesity, and UPFs’ potential role in the etiology of obesity and weight gain. Additionally, this study reviews strategies for reducing UPF consumption and outlines future studies of the link between UPF consumption and obesity.
ISSN:2508-6235